Pharr man says he murdered wife out of anger
PHARR — A 50-year-old woman had apparently angered her husband to the point that he stabbed her with a kitchen knife until she was dead early Saturday morning.
Noe Leiva Garza, 63, left the motionless and blood-stained body of his wife, Dominga Garza, lying by the front door.
When police arrived at the 511 North Fir residence in Pharr around 3 a.m., Garza stood near the driveway, also covered in blood and chatted away on a cell phone.
A second subject, later identified and taken into custody as Alvara Martinez Gutierrez, sat passed out in a white plastic chair.
According to a police report, Garza voluntarily stated he had killed his wife because she had gotten on his nerves.
The suspect was arraigned and charged Saturday afternoon with murder, a first-degree felony charge. If convicted, Garza could face up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
The man’s sister had placed the original police call from Edinburg, reporting her brother had stabbed someone at the location.
Responding officer Sgt. Maximiliano Longoria said he saw the woman’s body as he entered the Pharr residence and pulled his gun to force Garza to surrender.
Another officer arrived on the scene, and Longoria was able to take Garza into custody.
Longoria could not successfully locate a pulse as he examined the body. Upon arrival, Med Care personnel confirmed she had died.
After hearing his Miranda rights, Garza waived the right to an attorney and freely provided a statement that he murdered his wife out of anger, the police report says.
The suspect remains in custody at the Hidalgo County jail under a $1 million bond.
Neal Morton covers Mission and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956)683-4472.
