On December 15, 2024, 21-year-old Jaydon Garcia was fatally shot in Lubbock, Texas. The incident occurred around 3:45 a.m. in the 2800 block of Fordham Street, following a verbal altercation that escalated into gunfire. Garcia was transported to University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The altercation began earlier that evening at a local bar in the 2200 block of I-27, where Garcia and his acquaintances were socializing.
The group later moved to a family member's residence on Fordham Street. A verbal dispute, reportedly over family matters, ensued between Garcia and another individual. Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, the argument spilled onto the street, culminating in Garcia being shot.
A witness reported hearing Garcia threaten the other individual, stating, "I will put you 10 feet deep," immediately before hearing a gunshot. The witness observed the suspect, later identified as 24-year-old Sergio De La Cerda, place what appeared to be a firearm back into his pocket. De La Cerda was arrested later that day and charged with murder in connection with Garcia's death. He is currently held at the Lubbock County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond.
During the initial response to the shooting, a Lubbock Police Department officer was assaulted by 23-year-old Alyssa Rodriguez, who faces charges related to the incident. The officer was treated for injuries at University Medical Center.
Garcia, a Monterey High School graduate, was known for his vibrant spirit and love for football. He had recently enrolled at Wayland Baptist University to pursue his passion for the sport. His untimely death has left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the Lubbock community.
