On May 18, 2024, at approximately 2:29 a.m., Brownsville police responded to a shooting in the 100 block of Blanche Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered 25-year-old Armando "El 50" Rivera deceased in the passenger seat of a vehicle, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
Investigations revealed that earlier that night, Rivera and a companion were traveling through the 1100 block of Calle Galaxia when they came under fire.
Alejandro Alvarado, 35, was identified as the shooter who struck Rivera. Following the shooting, Rivera's companion drove to Blanche Street, exited the vehicle, and informed his family, who then contacted authorities.
Further inquiries uncovered a prior incident involving Rivera that same evening. As he arrived at his residence in the 1100 block of Calle Terrestre, 33-year-old Luciano Cesar Avina allegedly fired shots at Rivera and his companion. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from this earlier encounter, and Avina fled the scene.
On May 24, 2024, Brownsville police, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals, executed a search and arrest warrant at the 1100 block of Calle Galaxia. Alejandro Alvarado was arrested and subsequently charged with murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, deadly conduct, and discharging a firearm within certain municipalities. His bond was set at $355,000. During the same operation, Avina, who resided at the same location, was taken into custody. He faced charges including two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, deadly conduct, and discharging a firearm, with bonds totaling $205,000.
The arrests of Alvarado and Avina brought some relief to the Brownsville community, though the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Rivera's death remains ongoing. Authorities continue to seek additional information to fully understand the events leading up to the fatal shooting.
