Mission man charged with killing nephew


Kristian Hernandez
Jose Garza Amaya, 47, at the Hidalgo County Jail during his arraignment Monday afternoon. He was charged with one count of first-degree murder. photo by Kristian Hernandez


November 24, 2014 8:37 pm

KRISTIAN HERNANDEZ | STAFF WRITER


EDINBURG — Javier Garza Amaya, 47, was arraigned Monday for first-degree murder after he fatally shot his nephew Jorge Valero outside a home in the 7000 block of Military Road near Mission Saturday morning.

Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Joel Rivera said the two men were at a family gathering when they began arguing about money.

“There was a lot of drinking going on,” Rivera said. “The accused had a discussion about the victim’s friend owing him money.”

At about 6 a.m. Saturday, deputies responded to the home and found Valero dead with a gunshot wound to the head. Amaya originally told police Valero was shot by a drive-by shooter. He later confessed that he shot him with a 9mm handgun, which was eventually recovered, authorities say.

Other witnesses were questioned at the residence but they were inside when the shooting happened, said Rivera, who added that Amaya has a prior homicide conviction in Mexico.

Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Place 2 Homero Jasso set a $1 million bond for Amaya, who remained at the Hidalgo County Jail Monday afternoon.

If convicted of first-degree murder, he faces up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

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