On June 7, 2023, 35-year-old Eloy Hernandez was fatally shot during an argument in the 1800 block of West Laurel Street in San Antonio, Texas. According to police reports, Hernandez was walking down the street when he became involved in a confrontation with two men. During the dispute, one of the men produced a small handgun and shot Hernandez in the chest. Despite being transported to University Hospital, Hernandez succumbed to his injuries.
In the aftermath of the shooting, San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) and Crime Stoppers released surveillance footage capturing the moments leading up to the incident. The video showed two men engaged in a heated exchange in the middle of the road. Authorities solicited the public's assistance in identifying the suspect, offering a reward for information leading to an arrest.
A significant breakthrough occurred when multiple tips were submitted to Crime Stoppers, identifying the suspect as 23-year-old Seth Angel Arocha Garcia, also known by the alias "Rico." One tipster revealed that Garcia had shot himself in the foot to fabricate a narrative that he had been shot by Hernandez. Further investigation confirmed that Garcia had been hospitalized for a self-inflicted gunshot wound. When interviewed by detectives, Garcia appeared clean-shaven with a fresh haircut, aligning with the tipster's information that he had altered his appearance following the incident.
On July 27, 2023, based on the gathered evidence and credible tips, authorities issued a warrant for Garcia's arrest. He was subsequently taken into custody and charged with murder. As of the latest available information, Garcia is being held in Bexar County Jail on a $250,000 bond.
The arrest brought a measure of relief to Hernandez's family, who had been mourning his untimely death. Family members described Hernandez as a construction worker and father of two who generally kept to himself. They expressed their grief and the hope that justice would be served for Eloy's tragic death.
