Edcouch man pleads not guilty after allegedly confessing to fatal shooting

Emanuel Ibarra Flores, a 19-year-old from Edcouch, has pleaded not guilty to murder despite allegedly confessing to fatally shooting 45-year-old Randy Luna Herrera on January 3 in Pharr. According to police, officers found Herrera with multiple gunshot wounds at the scene on Chickadee Street. Flores reportedly admitted to shooting Herrera multiple times with a rifle after being warned by a relative about threats made by Herrera. The victim was unarmed at the time of the incident. A hearing for Flores is scheduled for August 17, and he was released on bond on January 30.

Thousands in repair: RGV cities warn residents over wastewater systems clogged by wipes and debris

Cities in the Rio Grande Valley are alerting residents about the costly issue of clogged wastewater systems due to improper disposal of items like wipes and debris. Alamo city crews discovered various materials, including stuffed animals, in lift stations, leading to significant repair costs. Mayor J.R. Garza emphasized that the buildup can cause equipment failures, resulting in thousands of dollars in expenses for the city. Residents like Belia Rocha and Esperanza Guadalupe de la Fuente have witnessed firsthand the consequences of littering, urging their neighbors to dispose of trash properly. Alamo has 27 lift stations, with daily checks and plans to expand maintenance resources.

Rio Grande City man accused of helping move a body in Peñitas double homicide pleads not guilty

Alejandro Lopez, a 43-year-old man from Rio Grande City, pleaded not guilty to capital murder charges related to a double homicide in Peñitas. He is one of six suspects arrested in connection with the deaths of Mario Morales Jr. and Maria Del Socorro Farias. The victims were found in a burned vehicle on February 3, with autopsy results indicating they died from gunshot wounds. Three other men face similar charges, while two women are charged with tampering with evidence. Lopez allegedly assisted in moving one of the bodies. A hearing for him is scheduled for July 29.

'Go get a job, don't rob from us': Harlingen RV park residents respond after break-ins

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A series of burglaries at a Harlingen RV park has left residents concerned and prompted neighbors to take extra steps to protect their community. According to the Harlingen Police Department, officers have received about half a dozen reports of break-ins at Encore Paradise Park over the past several weeks. Police say

Plea deal being sought for Edinburg man accused of killing motorcyclist

Kevin Alfredo Gonzalez, a 20-year-old from Edinburg, is facing charges of criminal negligent homicide following a fatal motorcycle accident on January 12, 2024. Prosecutors are offering a plea deal that includes five years of deferred adjudication, a $3,000 fine, and restitution. A hearing is scheduled for July 29 for Gonzalez to decide on the plea. The incident resulted in the death of Isaiah Angelo Torres, who was struck while Gonzalez attempted an unsafe turn on La Homa Road near West Mile 4 Road. Gonzalez was arrested on June 2, 2025, and later released on a $20,000 bond.

Overnight lane, ramp closures in Mercedes: TxDOT

MERCEDES, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Replacements on overhead signs along Interstate 2 will prompt overnight lane and ramp closures in Mercedes. The Texas Department of Transportation will begin replacing the signs on Wednesday night on the westbound Interstate 2 and Vermont Avenue. Maintenance work will prompt closures on nearby entrance and exit ramps, including a right

Valley mother, daughter found guilty of attempted smuggling at Sarita checkpoint

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A federal jury on Wednesday found a Weslaco mother and her daughter guilty of attempting to smuggle a man past the Sarita checkpoint last year. Enedelia Garcia, 55, of Weslaco, and Ashley Garcia, 37, of Brownsville, face up to 10 years in prison. Prosecutors say that on July 22, 2025, the

Driver in custody after evading authorities in Harlingen: DPS

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A driver is in custody on Wednesday afternoon after evading authorities in Harlingen, according to a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety. Several DPS units and EMS were seen at the intersection of the Frontage Road and F. Street at about 4:14 p.m. DPS says a white BMW evaded

Horseshoe Bay Child Predator Named Featured Fugitive for June

Victor Ramos Jr., a 19-year-old child predator from Horseshoe Bay, has been named the Featured Fugitive for June by Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders. He is wanted in Llano County for failing to comply with sex offender registration since August 2025, following a conviction for sexual assault of a child. A warrant for his arrest was issued due to a probation violation. A reward of $4,000 is offered for information leading to his capture during June. Ramos has connections to Burnet County, including Cottonwood Shores and Marble Falls. Tips can be submitted anonymously through various methods.

Teen charged with murder in connection with Pharr shooting pleads not guilty

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A teen charged with murder in connection with a deadly Pharr shooting pleaded not guilty on Wednesday, according to the Hidalgo County 430th District Court. Emanuel Flores, 19, was charged with murder, a first-degree felony, in January. On Jan. 3, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Pharr police responded to a home on the

Four Tren de Aragua Members Plead Guilty to 2024 Double Murder

Four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, including Keiber Jaen Martinez, Samuel Gonzalez Castro, Eferson Morillo-Gomez, and Keineyer Ibarra-Mujica, pleaded guilty to multiple murder charges in connection with the May 24, 2024, killings of Claretha LaQuesha Daniels and Justin Lawless in the Bronx, New York. They were also involved in the non-fatal shooting of a third victim. A fifth member, Jarwin Valero-Calderon, previously pleaded guilty to racketeering. The U.S. Department of Justice emphasized the gang's violent history and commitment to dismantling such organizations in the U.S. All eight defendants in this case have been convicted.

Horror: Prominent real estate agent, her daughters, and ex-husband die in apparent murder-suicide

A prominent real estate agent from South Florida, her two young daughters, and the girls' father were identified as the deceased in an apparent murder-suicide case in the city of Doral. Melanie Hyer, 46, was a real estate professional known for her expertise and frequently interviewed by the media about the South Florida real estate market. Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office officials reported that Hyer was among four people found dead inside a home in the Doral Isles neighborhood during a welfare check on Tuesday night. Hyer's daughters, 11-year-old Savannah Whiten and 8-year-old Sienna Whiten, were also found dead in the home, along with their father, 42-year-old Ryan Charles Whiten. All had stab wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene, which the sheriff's office is treating as a murder-suicide. Although the couple had separated years ago, they shared custody of their daughters and had both remarried, though those relationships also ended. Court records show Hyer was married to another man until March of this year. The last known address for Whiten was an apartment in Doral Isles. The news shocked the community, including Doral Mayor Christi Fraga, who personally knew Hyer. Fraga called it an 'unimaginable tragedy' and added in a statement, 'As a mother, and as someone who personally knew and admired the loving and dedicated mother at the center of this tragedy, this loss feels especially close.' Former NBC6 investigative journalist Willard Shepard, a close friend of Hyer, expressed devastation upon learning of her death. 'She was an extremely generous person in her professional life; she was an expert in estate issues, foreclosures, that sort of thing,' Shepard said. 'I spoke with her probably a month and a half ago, with no signs or indications of anything like this, and obviously, if there had been any signs, I would have said something or taken some action; but there was simply nothing that indicated this could have happened.' Shepard mentioned that neighbors told him the girls had gone biking with Ryan Whiten on Sunday. Parents, teachers, and students at the girls' school, Downtown Doral Elementary, were also mourning on Wednesday, as grief counselors were made available. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, our faculty and staff at our elementary school, where they currently attended, and our high school. Both students were deeply loved by their school, their teachers, and their peers,' said school principal Jeannette Acevedo-Isenberg in an email to parents. The girls were also members of the Doral field hockey team, which remembered them in an Instagram post on Wednesday. 'Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with their family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by them,' the post read. 'They were an important part of our community and will be remembered for their kindness, friendship, and the positive impact they had on everyone around them.' Local resident Consuelo Paredes expressed being 'super sad, the community where this happened is very quiet.' Detectives are now trying to piece together the hours leading up to the tragedy to determine exactly what occurred inside the home to clarify the motives behind this chilling crime. Authorities continue to process evidence and interview family members and close associates of the victims. So far, they have not revealed who may have committed the attacks or the possible motive behind this tragedy that has left an entire community searching for answers. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.

Temporary Water Interruption Scheduled in Several Streets of Edinburg

Residents on Wendy Drive, Zepher Avenue, Ivy Lane, and nearby areas should prepare for a temporary water service interruption this Thursday due to emergency repair work. The city of Edinburg reported that the supply will be suspended approximately from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on June 4. The interruption will allow a contractor to complete urgent repair work on the water system infrastructure. They also recommend that affected families and businesses store enough water to meet their basic needs during the suspension period.

Alamo fire chief discusses need for hurricane emergency kits

As hurricane season begins, Alamo Fire Chief R.C. Flores emphasizes the importance of having an emergency kit prepared. Essential items include a portable charger, batteries, a flashlight, and non-perishable food. Those on medication should ensure their prescriptions are included. Flores warns that once a storm is named, it’s crucial to be ready, as preparation becomes more challenging as the storm approaches. Additionally, residents should maintain a list of important contacts, documents, and an evacuation plan. Being proactive can significantly enhance safety during hurricane threats.

STHS holding summer safety expo

South Texas Health System (STHS) has reported 400 cases of heat-related illnesses across its 11 emergency rooms in the Rio Grande Valley, with numbers expected to rise. STHS spokesman Tom Castañeda emphasized the importance of hydration, especially for children, to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, slurred speech, and profuse sweating. If someone shows these signs, it's crucial to cool them down and call 911. To promote safety, STHS will hold a summer safety expo on Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the STHS Children’s Hospital.

Cameron County jails not accepting nonviolent offenders due to overpopulation

Cameron County jails are currently not accepting nonviolent offenders due to overcrowding, as stated by Sheriff Manuel Treviño. This decision follows a finding in April that the jails were overcapacity by 47 inmates, violating state standards. To address this issue, the sheriff's office is collaborating with local judges and the district attorney's office to expedite court processes. Treviño noted that they have not yet requested a reinspection from the State Department of Jail Standards but will do so when ready. Arresting agencies will still file charges against nonviolent offenders to ensure they can respond to their allegations.

Gulf Cartel gun smugglers plead guilty

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two men who smuggled guns for the Gulf Cartel pleaded guilty on Tuesday. Joel Lopez Martinez, 21, of Edinburg and Demian Valdez, 23, of Reynosa attempted to send more than 20 guns to Mexico in April. “Are those facts true and correct?” U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis asked Lopez and

La Grulla family loses everything after fire destroys home

Weslaco cheerleader family filing amended wrongful death lawsuit, energy drink distributors seeking dismissal

The family of Larissa Rodriguez, a Weslaco cheerleader who died in October 2025, is amending their wrongful death lawsuit against energy drink distributors Glazer’s Beer and Beverage, LLC, and Glazer’s Beer and Beverage of Texas, LLC. This follows the distributors' motion to dismiss the case, claiming the lawsuit lacks merit and that Rodriguez misused the product. The family contends that the energy drinks, linked to her death due to caffeine intake, were improperly marketed. An attorney for the family stated they will respond legally, while a judge has yet to set a date for the dismissal ruling.