The man shot and killed during a home invasion last week was armed and had broken into a Pharr residence demanding drugs, and the person accused of killing him lived in and sold marijuana out of the home, according to a probable cause affidavit for his arrest.
Investigators have charged 28-year-old Pharr resident Erik Daniel Garza with murder for the death of 26-year-old Jose Eduardo Morales.
Garza is also charged with possession of marijuana after responding officers found as ice chest with four pounds of marijuana in an alleyway right by his house at 711 East Freida.
When police arrived at the home that day, Garza was armed with an assault rifle, authorities say.
Garza cooperated with police and family at the location told police he shot one of the two armed men that had broken in, according to the probable cause affidavit.
According to Pharr police, who spoke with Garza at the police station, he said he heard a loud bang and exited his bedroom armed with a handgun and saw Morales, who was wearing a mask, armed with a shotgun.
Garza shot at Morales, who returned fire, according to police.
“(The investigator) will testify (Garza) then returned to his room to get the assault rifle,” the probable cause affidavit read.
Police say Garza started shooting again at Morales, who appeared to be taking cover from behind the table.
“(The investigator) will testify that (Garza) took cover and then shot at the victim who was heading towards the glass door,” the affidavit read.
Police say Garza then got close to Morales and intentionally shot him several times.
Investigators also found blood splatter in and around the assault rifle’s barrel, according to police.
Garza also suffered gunshot wounds to his legs during the shootout.
At a news conference, police chief Andy Harvey said investigators also found 14 weapons in the home, including rifles, shotguns and handguns, as well as a large amount of ammunition.
On Monday, Pharr police also said investigators are looking for 24-year-old Derek Medina, who is considered a suspect in the deadly home invasion.
Investigators believe he is driving a blue SUV or a silver Chevrolet Cobalt that is flagged and stolen.
Police say he is extremely dangerous and should be considered armed.
Authorities are also looking for 24-year-old Sixto Gonzalez and 25-year-old Leslie Denise Medina, who are considered persons of interest in the case.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at (956) 787-8477.
Garza remains jailed on a total of $1,100,000 in bonds, records show.
