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Man charged with murder in Mission home invasion
Arrest warrants for capital murder issued for two others as police detain another man for questioning
MISSION — An Edinburg man was arraigned here Saturday in connection with last week’s fatal shooting on the 2400 block of Kirk Avenue.
Roel Cantu stood with his head held high in Mission Municipal Court as the judge read him his rights.
Accused in the slaying of Reyes Garcia, the 40-year-old Cantu was still as a stone and barely blinked when the judge told him he was being charged with capital murder and engaging in organized criminal activity. Bond was set at $1.25 million.
On Wednesday, four men stormed into Garcia’s backyard and forced him into his house. The 28-year-old was shot to death in his living room while his wife and four children hid in a bedroom.
Cantu took part in the attack, a Mission Police official said.
Investigators have ruled out the possibility the incident was gang- or drug-related but are still trying to discern the motive.
Arrest warrants have been issued for two other suspects, Ezequiel Falcon-Garza, 22, and Antonio Mendez, 44, according to Mission police officials.
Both are expected to be charged with capital murder and engaging in organized criminal activity once they’re apprehended.
Mendez has been arrested several times on suspicion of misdemeanor offenses such as driving while intoxicated and theft. Falcon, of Donna, has no criminal record.
A police SWAT team raided both their residences but neither of the two suspects were anywhere to be found. Both are on the run.
The charges carry hefty penalties such as life in prison or the death penalty if convicted of capital murder. Engaging in organized criminal activity is a first-degree felony, punishable by up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 upon conviction.
Mission police said they also have a person of interest in custody who they are questioning, but they declined to say anything further about him on the record.
As the judge left the courtroom Saturday, Cantu still did not move. He signed the papers saying he understood his charges and exited the courtroom with his head down.
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Lindsay Machak covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4462.
