Case Summary
- Case Type
- Domestic Violence
- Incident Date
- Oct. 28
- Incident Time
- early morning hours
- Location
- Texana Street, Laredo, TX
- Investigating Agency
- Laredo Police Department
- Suspect
- Abel Garza
- Suspect Age
- 30
- Victim Count
- 1
- Charges
- murder, child endangerment, child abandonment, aggravated assault, unlawful restraint, interfering with an emergency request for assistance, protective order violation
- Arrest Status
- detained in the Webb County Jail on $1.5 million bond
- Case Status
- under investigation
A federal immigration agent in Texas is behind bars after allegedly fatally stabbing his wife and attempting to drive away with her body while leaving their young children unattended at home, according to local law enforcement authorities in Laredo.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Abel Garza, faces multiple felony charges including murder in connection with the death of his 28-year-old wife, Mayra Alejandra Landeros. The case is being handled by the Laredo Police Department and the Webb County Sheriff's Office.
Incident Overview
The underlying incident took place in the early morning hours on Wednesday, October 28, at a residential property situated on Texana Street in Laredo, Texas, a major city located along the southern border with Mexico. According to reports from law enforcement and local media outlets, police were initially alerted when a man began knocking on doors and asking several neighbors for assistance.
As responding officers arrived at the residential scene, a deployed police drone observed a vehicle departing from the area. Law enforcement units pursued and intercepted the car, pulling it over to conduct a traffic stop. Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered Mayra Alejandra Landeros in the backseat on the floor, suffering from multiple severe stab wounds. Emergency medical personnel rushed the victim to a nearby hospital, where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries. Back at the couple's residence, officers located two children and determined they were safe.
Suspect Information
The suspect has been identified as Abel Garza, a 30-year-old man residing in Laredo, Texas. On Wednesday afternoon, an official with U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed that Garza is employed as a Laredo Sector Border Patrol agent who was off duty at the time of the alleged incident. The agency's office of professional responsibility is currently reviewing the charges filed against him. Court and law enforcement records further indicate that Garza had a prior arrest in January, during which he was accused of pointing a gun at a woman during a domestic disturbance that occurred on the very same street where Landeros was later fatally stabbed.
Victim Information
The victim in this case is 28-year-old Mayra Alejandra Landeros. Investigators have characterized the fatal encounter as an act of domestic violence. Two children belonging to the household were found safe inside the home following the police response.
Police Response
Officers with the Laredo Police Department responded to the Texana Street residence following reports of a man seeking help from neighbors. Upon arrival, the tactical use of a police drone enabled officers to track a vehicle leaving the scene, leading to a targeted traffic stop, the recovery of the wounded victim, and the subsequent coordination of emergency medical transport.
Investigation
The Laredo Police Department, alongside the Webb County Sheriff's Office and local media affiliates, is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the homicide. Additionally, federal authorities including U.S. Customs and Border Protection through their office of professional responsibility are reviewing the administrative and criminal aspects of the case involving their off-duty employee.
Evidence Collected
- A motor vehicle intercepted by police leaving the residential area
- Physical evidence relating to multiple stab wounds sustained by the victim
- Two children found unharmed inside the residence
- Prior arrest documentation and Webb County Sheriff's Office jail records
Arrest Details
Abel Garza was taken into custody following the traffic stop and subsequent hospital transport of the victim. He is currently being held at the Webb County Jail on a bond set at $1.5 million, according to jail records and law enforcement statements.
Charges Filed
- Murder: An accusation that the defendant intentionally or knowingly caused the death of Mayra Alejandra Landeros. Under Texas law, murder is a first-degree felony carrying a potential prison sentence of five to 99 years or life imprisonment.
- Child Endangerment: Charges stemming from leaving children in a situation where their physical health or safety was placed in imminent danger.
- Child Abandonment: Accusations relating to the leaving of children without proper supervision or care during the incident.
- Aggravated Assault: A charge involving the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon during an assault.
- Unlawful Restraint: Accusations that the victim was intentionally restrained against her will.
- Interfering with an Emergency Request for Assistance: A charge applicable when a person prevents or hinders another from placing an emergency 911 call.
- Protective Order Violation: An allegation that the defendant violated the terms of an active court protective order designed to keep victims safe from domestic abusers.
Court Information
The case is being processed through the Webb County judicial system. Specific docket and case numbers have not been publicly released by authorities. Further court appearances, including formal arraignment and bond hearings, will be scheduled through the local district court.
Statements from Authorities
The Laredo Police Department chief explained that officers arrived in response to a man knocking on doors asking neighbors for help, according to reports by Laredo-based NBC and ABC affiliate KGNS. The police chief also noted that the circumstances surrounding the fatal stabbing were unclear, but confirmed the case is being investigated as domestic violence, according to the Laredo Morning Tribune. Additionally, an official with U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed that Garza is a Laredo Sector Border Patrol agent who was off duty at the time of the event.
Public Safety Information
Domestic violence affects individuals and families across all communities, regardless of profession or background. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse or violence, help is available. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline confidentially 24/7 by calling 1-800-799-7233 or by texting START to 88788. In an immediate emergency, always dial 911.
What Happens Next
Following an arrest and the formal filing of charges, the criminal justice process moves toward a court arraignment where the defendant is formally advised of the charges against them and enters a plea. Prosecutors will present evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment if the case has not already proceeded via direct information, and pre-trial hearings will be scheduled to determine motion filings, evidence discovery, and trial dates.
