Sheriff: Man kills older brother after bathroom argument near Alton

NEAR ALTON — A childish argument between two brothers ended with adult consequences Tuesday morning.

Two brothers — ages 20 and 22 — were arguing over who could use the bathroom first about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at their house at 7522 N. Inspiration Road, Hidalgo County sheriff’s deputies said.

The argument became physical and relatives broke up the two men. Moments later, relatives told deputies, they heard a gunshot.

Jeremiah Hooper’s 20-year-old brother had apparently shot him in the neck with a .357-caliber revolver. Hooper’s mother and brother — the alleged gunman — rushed him to Mission Regional Medical Center, where he underwent surgery and died.

The two brothers had gotten into physical confrontations before, including a knife fight a couple of years ago, but neither of them filed criminal charges, Sheriff Lupe Treviño said.

Treviño would not disclose the surviving brother’s identity pending his arraignment set for this morning on a charge of murder. The sheriff added that the suspect has no history of mental illness.

Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace Luis Garza pronounced Hooper’s death at 9:01 a.m. Tuesday and ordered an autopsy.

Investigators continued to examine the Hooper family home Tuesday afternoon. His family stood outside and consoled each other. They declined to comment on the situation.

Hooper’s death marks the first new homicide that law enforcement in Hidalgo County have investigated this year. His brother could spend life in prison and be fined up to $10,000 if he is formally charged with murder and convicted.

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Jared Taylor covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4439.