Rio Grande Valley Friends and Families of Murdered Children

Proudly Introduces the RIO PROJECT COLD CASE HOMICIDE DATABASE: A Regional Initiative to Spotlight Unsolved Murders and Amplify the Voices of Victims and Their Families

The Rio Grande Valley Families and Friends of Murdered Children (RGV-FFOMC) is honored to announce the launch of the Rio Project Cold Case Homicide Database—a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to centralize and bring public attention to unsolved homicide cases throughout the Rio Grande Valley. This comprehensive and publicly accessible database will be a powerful tool for elevating awareness, supporting grieving families, and encouraging renewed investigative efforts.

Phase I – County Coverage:
The initial rollout will include unsolved homicide cases submitted from the following four counties:
  • Hidalgo County
  • Cameron County
  • Starr County
  • Willacy County

Each entry will be verified and submitted by either:
  • Local law enforcement agencies, or
  • Surviving family members seeking to keep their loved one’s memory alive and case visible.
RGV-FFOMC plans to expand the database to include additional counties across the region as resources allow.

Why This Matters:
Keeping a homicide victim’s case in the public eye not only honors their memory but also increases the likelihood of generating new leads, witnesses, or information that may help bring justice—visibility matters. Awareness saves cases.

How to Submit a Case:
Families or law enforcement agencies wishing to submit an unsolved homicide case for inclusion may do so by completing the official Case Summary -
Cold Case Submission - Google Forms

Submission Form
. Submission does not guarantee immediate inclusion; all entries are subject to verification and review.

⚠️ Please Note:

Rio Project Cold Case is not a private investigative service. This initiative is strictly for public awareness and advocacy purposes. All investigative matters remain under the jurisdiction of the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

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1 cases found.
CCR: 08-57575
Date Reported: November 7, 2008
VICTIM DETAILS
Name Fernando "Ferny" Luna
Age 18
Gender Male
Race Hispanic/Latino
SUSPECT DETAILS
Name Unknown
Offense Murder
Cause Gun/Firearm
Location Unknown
CASE DETAILS
Status Unsolved
Incident location 702 W. Expressway 83
Pharr Texas, 78577
Hidalgo
L.E.A Pharr Police Department

Cold Case Spotlight

The body of an 18-year-old man was found behind a furniture store along U.S. Expressway 83 in Pharr. Officers responded to a call about shots fired near the Lacks Clearance Center, 702 W. Expressway 83 in Pharr. After they arrived, they discovered the bullet-torn body of Edinburg resident Fernando "Ferny" Luna Jr., 18, according to a Pharr police statement. Police continue to look for a dark-colored, four-door, 2005 or 2006 Cadillac CTS and a light-colored passenger vehicle, possibly a Dodge Neon, according to the statement. He was called "Ferny", was 18 years old and was a student at Edinburg North High School. He loved to play football, ride horses, and hunt. He will be always be remembered by his sweet smile, his genuine kindness, and his charm forever to come.