Thread: Marshals believe wanted Zetas member may be hiding in U.S.

Marshals believe wanted Zetas member may be hiding in Valley

December 16, 2009 10:16 PM
Ana Ley
The Monitor

GOT A TIP?>> Anyone with information about the whereabouts of purported Zetas member Joseph Allen GarcÃ*a is urged to call (800) 336-0102.

McALLEN — One of the country’s most wanted criminals — a purported member of the Zetas — may be hiding in the Rio Grande Valley, officials said Wednesday.

According to a news release issued by the U.S. Marshals Service, Joseph Allen GarcÃ*a is suspected of attacking a group inside a Laredo residence with an AK-47 rifle in December 2003, killing 18-year-old Mario Gonzalez and injuring three others.

GarcÃ*a was arrested in connection with the shooting but was later released on bond.

The next year, he allegedly shot a teen during an argument. GarcÃ*a was briefly jailed but again posted bond and was released. The teen eventually died from his injuries, and GarcÃ*a was again charged with murder.

Four months later, authorities arrested him on drug charges.

GarcÃ*a failed to appear in court in March 2005 in connection with his criminal charges and has been on the run ever since then.

Authorities believe the 21-year-old is associated with the Mexican Mafia as well as the Zetas, a paramilitary criminal organization that served as the enforcement arm of the Gulf Cartel but now operates as an independent cartel. The Gulf Cartel and the Zetas now refer to themselves collectively as “The Company.â€

This wouldn't surprise me. I was watching an episode of gangland that was about the Zetas. The commentator even made a comment on how our border security is a joke as they can easily come in and out of the United States.