Public Safety

Mercedes man charged with murder in fentanyl overdose crossed pills from Mexico: Records

Editor's note: The video above is from a Weslaco Police Department press conference held after Cedillo's bond hearing. HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An affidavit obtained by ValleyCentral reveals new details in the arrest of a Mercedes man accused of delivering drugs to a man who died of a fentanyl overdose. Bryan Alexis Cedillo, 28, of

What is El Caballito, the network dedicated to money laundering and counterfeiting that was dismantled

The Mexican Attorney General's Office (FGR) announced the dismantling of a criminal network known as El Caballito, involved in money laundering and invoice forgery. Two leaders, Maikol 'N' and Salvador 'N', were arrested during the operation, which also secured various assets. The network created shell companies to issue false invoices, leading to significant tax evasion. Authorities conducted searches at 30 properties across several states, including Jalisco and Sinaloa, resulting in the seizure of 11 homes, 14 vehicles, and various currencies. The operation was a collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies.

"I thought I was going to die": Woman stabbed in the eye recounts moments of terror

A woman who was brutally attacked in broad daylight in downtown Miami, Florida, has found the courage to share the traumatic moments she experienced while still trying to recover. The brutal attack on Caitlin Dydzuhn left her partially blind after the incident occurred on Tuesday, May 19, right outside her residence in the Marina Blue building, near Northeast 8th Street and Biscayne Boulevard. The victim recounts being caught off guard from behind. Her assailant knocked her down and began to beat and stab her repeatedly. "He attacked me from behind. I had no idea what was going to happen. There was no way to defend myself; he threw me to the ground, immobilized me, and started hitting and stabbing me, and smashing my head against the pavement," said Caitlin Dydzuhn, the stabbing victim. During the attack, the woman stated that she feared for her life. "I was prepared to die at that moment. I was calculating how many more blows I could endure," she expressed. A good Samaritan intervened and managed to scare off the attacker, allowing the victim to escape. "Suddenly, I was covered in my own blood and running for my life," she added. What is known about the assailant? Miami police arrested 49-year-old Raydean Johnson after a standoff lasting approximately three hours. Officers used a taser to subdue him. The suspect faces charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault. As a result of the attack, Dydzuhn suffered multiple facial injuries and required surgery for a serious injury to her left eye, leaving her partially blind. Now, the victim is considering filing a negligence lawsuit against the Marina Blue building. Her attorney pointed out that the complex has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its residents and questioned the lack of surveillance measures in the area. Since the attack, Dydzuhn says she lives in fear and avoids going out alone, something she used to do frequently. "After being brutally attacked right outside my building, I find it hard to imagine going out. It's very sad," she said. So far, the management of Marina Blue has not issued any comments regarding the case.

Mother to be charged with involuntary manslaughter in infant death investigation: Raymondville police

RAYMONDVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The mother of an infant who died on Thursday in Raymondville is facing multiple charges. Lydia Estrella De Los Santos was arrested on charges of involuntary manslaughter, injury to a child, and retaliation, Raymondville police chief Uvaldo Zamora reported to ValleyCentral. Authorities responded to a call on Thursday afternoon at an

Young mother faces multiple charges after death of seven-month-old baby

Lydia Estrella de los Santos, a mother from Raymondville, faces multiple charges following the death of her seven-month-old baby on May 28. Charges include obstruction, threats against law enforcement, and involuntary manslaughter due to reckless conduct. Emergency responders arrived at 2:42 p.m. to find the baby in critical condition, and despite resuscitation efforts, she was pronounced dead later that evening. Police reported that Estrella was initially uncooperative during the investigation but later claimed she accidentally left her baby in a hot bath while trying to cool her down from a fever. An autopsy has been ordered, revealing severe burns on the infant's body.

Raymondville police looking at charges in connection with 8-month-old death, chief says

Raymondville Police Chief Uvaldo Zamora announced that a 19-year-old woman, Lydia Estrella De La Rosa, faces multiple charges following the death of her 7-month-old daughter after a hot water bath. Charged with manslaughter, injury to a child, and two counts of terroristic threats, De La Rosa was denied bond for the serious charges. The infant, initially reported as 8 months old, died after suffering severe burns covering 90% of her body. Police found her unresponsive at an apartment complex on S. King Street. De La Rosa has a history of violent offenses and was on probation at the time of the incident.

Brownsville police confirm hotel deaths as murder-suicide

The Brownsville Police Department has confirmed that the deaths at a Holiday Inn were a murder-suicide. The deceased man, identified as 39-year-old German Navarro Lopez, reportedly shot the woman before taking his own life. Authorities revealed that Lopez and the female victim were in a relationship. Hotel staff discovered their bodies on Thursday, prompting the investigation. This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issues of domestic violence in the community.

ICE officer wanted for shooting a man during the Minneapolis crackdown is arrested in Harlingen

Christian Castro, an ICE officer, was arrested in Harlingen after being charged with shooting a Venezuelan man, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, during a crackdown in Minneapolis. The incident occurred on January 14, 2026, when Castro fired through a front door, hitting Sosa-Celis in the thigh. Prosecutors in Hennepin County, Minnesota, worked with federal authorities to locate and apprehend Castro, who is the second federal agent charged in connection with the operation known as Metro Surge. The investigation continues into the officers' conduct during the crackdown, which has faced scrutiny and legal challenges.

7,770-pound improperly secured metal beam collapses, SpaceX death ruled accidental: Report

STARBASE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 7,770-pound metal beam that was improperly secured collapsed and contributed to the death of a SpaceX contract worker, according to a Cameron County Sheriff's Office case report obtained by ValleyCentral. The report states that the death of Jose Luis Bautista Jr., 25, of Donna, was ruled as an accidental death resulting

Texas Border Business · May 29, 2026

Governor Celebrates Game Warden, State Park Police Officer Graduation

Governor Greg Abbott honored a new class of Texas Game Wardens and State Park Police Officers during a graduation ceremony at the Texas Capitol. He emphasized their vital role as protectors of the state's natural resources and communities, stating they embody courage and integrity. Abbott highlighted their lifesaving efforts during last year's Fourth of July floods and their work against illegal wildlife trafficking. The graduating class includes 24 Game Wardens serving 26 counties and 4 Park Police Officers assigned to three state parks. The ceremony was attended by various state officials, including Texas Parks and Wildlife Department leaders.

ICE officer wanted for shooting a man during the Minneapolis crackdown is arrested in Texas

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal immigration officer wanted for shooting a Venezuelan man during the Trump administration’s Minnesota crackdown was arrested Friday in Texas, authorities said. Christian Castro, of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, was taken into custody 11 days after Minneapolis prosecutors charged him with assault and falsely reporting a crime in the

Texas Border Business · May 29, 2026

DPS Finds 20 Illegal Immigrants Inside Truck Tractor in Webb Co.

On May 18, 2026, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) discovered 20 illegal immigrants hidden in a truck tractor during a traffic stop on IH-35 in Webb County. The incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. when a trooper stopped a white Volvo truck. The driver, 25-year-old Miguel Angel Velazquez Chavez, attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended. A search revealed the immigrants, including four minors, concealed in the sleeping area of the vehicle. Velazquez was charged with evading arrest and human smuggling and is now in Webb County Jail. The investigation is ongoing by DPS' Criminal Investigations Division.

Police identify man and woman found dead at Brownsville hotel

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department on Friday identified the man and woman who were found dead at a Brownsville hotel on Thursday afternoon. The man was identified as German Navarro Lopez, 39, and the woman was identified as Shelsy Solis Sosa, 38. Police say evidence indicates that Lopez shot Solis Sosa before

More than 80 Pounds of Cocaine Found Hidden in Progreso Border Bridge

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized 33 packages containing approximately 88 pounds of suspected cocaine hidden in a vehicle at the Progreso International Bridge. The discovery was made on May 23, during the Memorial Day weekend, with an estimated street value of $1,175,085. CBP utilized non-intrusive inspection technology and conducted a thorough physical inspection of the 2026 GMC Sierra driven by a U.S. citizen. Both the vehicle and the drugs were ultimately confiscated by authorities.

Texas Border Business · May 29, 2026

Bloods Member on Most Wanted List Captured in Austin

Devonshae Aikeis Fisher, a 32-year-old member of the Bloods gang, was apprehended in Austin on May 21, 2026, after a brief vehicle chase. The pursuit began when he failed to stop for law enforcement officers from the Austin Police Department and Texas Highway Patrol. Fisher had been on the Texas 10 Most Wanted list since July 2024 due to parole violations related to a prior felony conviction for firearm possession. He was previously sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for drug-related charges and five years for unlawful firearm possession, being released on parole in April 2023.

Shocked and Happy: Rescued Students from Texas Roller Coaster

Eight students were rescued after being trapped for nearly four hours on the Iron Shark roller coaster at Pleasure Pier in Galveston, Texas. The incident occurred when the ride, which stands over 100 feet tall, experienced a mechanical failure during its initial ascent. Fire Chief Mike Varela confirmed that all students were safely evacuated and examined by medical personnel. While they were initially shocked, there was a visible sense of joy as they reached solid ground. The Houston Independent School District confirmed that some of its students were among those trapped. The ride's operator is investigating the cause of the malfunction.

Raymondville mother being questioned following death of 8-month-old child, police chief says

The Raymondville Police Department is investigating the death of an 8-month-old child, with the mother being interviewed regarding suspicious circumstances. Police Chief Uvaldo Zamora reported that the child was taken to Valley Baptist Medical Center on Thursday and died shortly after 5 p.m. The incident occurred on South King Street. While the investigation is ongoing, no one has been taken into custody at this time. Further details about the case have not been released as authorities continue to gather information.

Man and woman found dead in Brownsville hotel, police say

A man and woman were found dead at the Holiday Inn on Sunrise Boulevard in Brownsville on Thursday afternoon. Police arrived at the scene around 12:34 p.m. after hotel staff reported the discovery. Both individuals were found in bed with apparent gunshot wounds to the head, and a firearm was recovered. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible murder-suicide, suggesting that the man shot the woman, with whom he had an on-and-off relationship, before taking his own life. Further details from the investigation have not been released yet.

Crews in Dallas search for missing after massive apartment fire kills 3

A massive explosion at an apartment complex in Dallas on May 28, 2026, resulted in three fatalities and several injuries. Firefighters were responding to a reported gas leak when the blast occurred. Dallas Fire-Rescue announced that the focus has shifted from rescue to recovery as they search through the debris for missing individuals. At least four people were hospitalized, and a family reunification center was established at a nearby high school. Atmos Energy reported that a construction crew damaged a gas pipeline, leading to the incident. Residents expressed concern for loved ones who remain unaccounted for.