Audon Ignacio Camarillo, a 23-year-old man with a criminal past, was named as the suspect who police said killed two Texas officers on Saturday, while officials on Sunday said they will provide a memorial for the fallen officers.
The officers, identified as Edelmiro Garza, Jr. and Ismael Chavez, were responding to a domestic disturbance in McAllen. Police officials said Caramillo shot and killed the officers in an ambush-style attack when they came to his door.
Camarillo then turned the gun on himself after killing the two officers, McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez said in a news conference on Saturday.
The WISD family is mourning the loss of former WEHS science teacher & football coach Ismael Chavez. He was employed by WISD, for approximately 9 yrs. Today Chavez & Officer Edelmiro Garza were tragically killed in the line of duty.Our deepest condolences go out to their families. pic.twitter.com/6QjqkfpeYo
— Weslaco ISD (@WeslacoISD) July 12, 2020
“Our officers did not draw their weapons, didn’t fire, never stood a chance,” the chief said, adding that the suspect met the officers at the front door and opened fire as they stood there.
“Every day in the face of adversity, whatever the nature of it may be in these last few years, we’ve talked about the national narrative, people against police… in the face of that adversity, we rise and we serve,” Rodriguez added. “In the face of a pandemic, officers went to a door today to serve regardless of the threats to us, to our health, to our safety and to our families as well. So we will rise again, and I think we will be stronger for that.”
The chief added that Camarillo committed suicide before a second group of responding officers arrived.
“He is behind a particular vehicle in front of the home,” said Rodriguez in the press conference. “Officers ordered him to put his gun down; the individual at that point in time raises the gun to commit suicide. That is the whole extent of the incident.”
Camarillo had a criminal history, Rodriguez added, noting that he was arrested on liquor violations, assault, possession of marijuana, fleeing an officer, driving while intoxicated, and others. According to The Monitor, he was most recently arrested for assault.
The City of McAllen, located near the U.S.-Mexico border, wrote on Sunday afternoon that a memorial is planned for Garza and Chavez.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott granted permission to fly the US and Texas flags at half-staff in honor of the life and public service of McAllen Officer Police Officer Edelmiro Garza, Jr. and Officer Ismael Chavez, Jr. They were killed in the line of duty on Sat, July 11, 2020. pic.twitter.com/0uSHqZ0cIk
— Hidalgo County (@HidalgoCounty) July 12, 2020
Two of our finest were killed in the line of duty while working to protect residents in their community.
I’ve spoken with McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez and offered the full support of the State of Texas.
We unite to #BackTheBlue.#RGVhttps://t.co/lm5DWQJSVC
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 11, 2020
“As our community grieves for the two brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice , a memorial has been set up at the McAllen Police Department for mourners to drop off flowers or small keepsakes to keep their memories alive,” the city wrote on social media.
Local agencies said the two officers had a positive impact.
Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez wrote that they left an “indelible mark on the community” they served.
Focus News: Suspect Who Killed 2 Texas Police Officers Had Criminal Past: Chief