On the night of September 22, 2023, at approximately 11:50 p.m., Arlington Police Department officers responded to a reported shooting in the 1800 block of E. Mitchell Street. Upon arrival, they discovered 24-year-old Jose Benjamin Mancera Juarez lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds. He was immediately transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Mr. Mancera Juarez succumbed to his injuries on September 23, 2023.
Investigations revealed that Mr. Mancera Juarez had been involved in a physical altercation with a group of individuals prior to the shooting. During this confrontation, one individual struck him in the head and neck area with a hammer. Subsequently, the assailant drew a firearm and shot Mr. Mancera Juarez multiple times before fleeing the scene with accomplices. Detectives believe that this was not a random incident, as the victim was acquainted with at least one of the suspects.
Following a thorough investigation, homicide detectives identified 18-year-old Arlington resident, Oscar Gavia, as the primary suspect in the murder of Mr. Mancera Juarez. An arrest warrant was issued, and on September 26, 2023, members of the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force apprehended Mr. Gavia in Arlington without incident. He was charged with murder and initially booked into the Arlington City Jail before being transferred to the Tarrant County Jail.
The Arlington Police Department continues to investigate the involvement of other individuals present during the incident. Detectives are actively seeking information regarding additional suspects who participated in the assault on Mr. Mancera Juarez. Residents in the vicinity have been urged to review any surveillance footage that might provide further evidence. Anyone with pertinent information is encouraged to contact Detective Hall at (817) 459-5325 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers of Tarrant County at (817) 469-8477.
