On February 10, 2023, 44-year-old David Silva was fatally shot at his residence in rural Weslaco, Texas. Hidalgo County Sheriff's deputies responded to reports of gunfire shortly after midnight in the 2100 block of Esperanza Street. Upon arrival, they found Silva suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, Silva succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Witnesses at the scene identified 15-year-old Mauricio Mata as the shooter.
Investigators quickly obtained an arrest warrant for Mata, charging him with murder. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office considered Mata armed and dangerous, noting that he might be driving a dark-colored SUV and could be accompanied by his juvenile brother, who was identified as a person of interest.
After more than a year evading law enforcement, Mata, then 17, was apprehended and booked into the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center on September 17, 2024. His arrest brought a measure of closure to the community and Silva's grieving family. Mata remains in custody with a bond set at $100,000, awaiting further legal proceedings related to the murder charge.
