McALLEN — Two South Texas police officers slain Saturday while responding to a domestic disturbance call were mourned Thursday during a viewing at the McAllen Convention Center.
Edelmiro Garza, 45, and Ismael Chavez, 39, were shot and killed by a suspect who later fatally shot himself, authorities said. Garza was an officer with the McAllen Police Department for more than eight years, while Chavez had over two years of experience.
The officers first met with two people who reported assaults that took place inside a nearby home around 3:30 p.m. Saturday, said McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez. But the shooter, whom police identified as 23-year-old Audon Ignacio Camarillo, opened fire when officers attempted to enter the home.
“They were doing their job. That is what they were supposed to do. The person was a suspect of the incident, met our officers at the door, and shot at both officers,” Rodriguez said. “Both officers suffered fatal wounds, they have both passed away as a result. The officers never had a chance to suspect deadly assault on them, much less death.”