In the early morning hours of July 30, 2017, the small community of Oostburg, Wisconsin, was shaken by a double homicide that claimed the life of 42-year-old Hispanic male Luis Garcia and his best friend, Fernando Lara. The two men were found with fatal gunshot wounds inside Garcia's home on Wisconsin Avenue.
An investigation into the deaths quickly led authorities to a suspect: Sergio Ochoa, Garcia's own cousin.
Reports indicate that an argument had erupted between Ochoa and Garcia concerning a debt. The dispute escalated tragically, culminating in Ochoa fatally shooting both Garcia and Lara. Following the incident, Garcia's son and uncle discovered the scene and alerted the authorities.
Sergio Moises Ochoa was arrested in connection with the killings and faced charges of first-degree intentional homicide. During the subsequent trial, it was revealed that the argument leading to the shooting was over a sum of approximately $200 that Garcia owed Ochoa for bills. The defense argued that Ochoa acted in self-defense, but this claim was ultimately rejected.
In October 2019, a jury found Sergio Ochoa guilty of two counts of first-degree reckless homicide. In March 2020, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison, followed by 10 years of extended supervision, for the deaths of his cousin and his friend, bringing a close to a case that deeply affected the small Wisconsin town.
