Rio Grande Valley Friends and Families of Murdered Children

FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND RIO PROJECT COLD CASE (HOMICIDE) DATABASE

This database will consist of unsolved homicides.  The Rio Grande Valley database will be composed of the four-county area: 1) Hidalgo, 2) Cameron, 3) Starr and 4) Willacy counties. All victims are submitted by law enforcement or the victims' families. Additional counties will be added to this database as time and funding permit. Keeping your loved one's case in the PUBLIC EYE is a good thing.

To submit your loved one for consideration please Fill out form Case Summary Form. Rio Project Cold Case is not a private investigative firm.

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167 cases found.
CCR: 13-55130
Date Reported: October 25, 2013
VICTIM DETAILS
Name Jolissa "Socorro" Rangel
Age 20
Gender Female
Race Hispanic/Latino
SUSPECT DETAILS
Name 3 Unknown Suspects
Offense Murder
Cause Gun/Firearm
Location Unknown
CASE DETAILS
Status Unsolved
Incident location 1702 S Closner Blvd
Edinburg Texas, 78539
Hidalgo County
L.E.A Edinburg Police Department

Cold Case Spotlight

On Friday, October 25, 2013, around 9:30 pm Jolissa ‘Socorro” Rangel a 20-year-old female was found shot to death inside her apartment located 2400 block of Kimberly Lane in Edinburg, Texas with a gunshot wound to her heart. Rangel lived with her 2-year-old son and her sister. No justice, No Peace! The family is offering a cash reward of up to $5,000 to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of the person/persons responsible for the murder of Jolissa Rangel.
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.
CCR: Unknown
Date Reported: April 18, 2006
VICTIM DETAILS
Name Merardo Magana Garza
Age 63
Gender Male
Race Hispanic/Latino
SUSPECT DETAILS
Name Unknown
Offense Murder
Cause Blunt Force
Location Unknown
CASE DETAILS
Status Unsolved
Incident location West
Los Ebanos Texas`, 78565
Hidalgo
L.E.A unknown

Cold Case Spotlight

Merardo Magana Garza was lovingly known as “Tano.” He was adored by many in the city of Mission and was known to be a sharp dresser and a ladies' man. The 63-year-old father was found dead on April 18, 2006 west of Los Ebanos. According to Chavez, at the time investigators could not determine Garza’s cause of death. “Officials were unable to see or say how he died because his body was burned and decomposed,” said Chavez. “But, it was ruled as a homicide, the cause is just undetermined.” Garza still had his jewelry when officials found him, according to Chavez... Chavez said investigators have been unable to reach out to family members for new leads and investigators have no trace of the immediate family. ValleyCentral located his obituary, which said Garza was married with children.
CCR: 89-08624
Date Reported: June 2, 1989
VICTIM DETAILS
Name Juan Jose Marquez
Gender Male
Race Hispanic/Latino
SUSPECT DETAILS
Name Unknown
Offense Murder
Cause Gun/Firearm
Location Unknown
CASE DETAILS
Status Unsolved
Incident location 1/10 Mile S. of Rancho Toluca Rd. on Mile 3
Weslaco Texas, 78596
Hidalgo
L.E.A Hidalgo Co. Sherriff's Office

CCR: Unknown
Date Reported: April 26, 2006
VICTIM DETAILS
Name Efrian Garcia
Age 55
Gender Male
Race Hispanic/Latino
SUSPECT DETAILS
Name Unknown
Offense Murder
Cause Gun/Firearm
Location Reynosa Mexico
CASE DETAILS
Status Unsolved
Incident location Unknown
Reynosa State of Tamaulipas, 88500
Unknown
L.E.A Mexican Police

Efrain Garcia was murder on April 26, 2006, in Reynosa Mexico after receiving a call for his pest control business. He and a coworker responded to the call for service as they approach the location in entering a Cul-de-sac in a business district in Reynosa Mexico. His co-worker jumped out of the truck and fled the scene. As shots were fired striking Efrain multiple times killing him instead. No Justice. No Peace.
CCR: Unknown
Date Reported: September 6, 1988
VICTIM DETAILS
Name Arnaldo Garza Sr.
Age 45
Gender Male
Race Hispanic/Latino
SUSPECT DETAILS
Name Unknown
Offense Murder
Cause Gun/Firearm
Location Unknown
CASE DETAILS
Status Unsolved
Incident location 822 W Wisconsin Rd
Edinburg Texas , 78539
Hidalgo County
L.E.A Edinburg Police Department

Cold Case Spotlight

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An Edinburg family paid $70,000 for the safe return of their loved one only to have him discovered decomposed in a sugarcane field. Three decades later, Arnaldo Garza’s murder remains unsolved. Garza was a husband and welder, known for starting A&A Welding. The 46-year-old man was taken from his home and used as ransom on November 6, 1988, according to Texas DPS. His family received a call stating that Garza had been kidnapped, demanding money to be delivered to Reynosa, Mexico. Reporting the disappearance to authorities, the family delivered the $70,000 in ransom to an individual in Reynosa. Raul Garza, the Assistant Chief of the Edinburg Police Department at the time, immediately advised the kidnapping to the FBI. Additionally, the family reported the payment to officials. Reports at the time stated that “the family awaited an additional demand for delivery of money and return of Garza with completion of the ransom payment.” However, no further word was ever received. On November 17, 1988, Garza’s body was discovered “badly decomposed” in a sugarcane field near Moore Air Field in Edinburg, according to reports at the time in the Valley Morning Star. The following Wednesday, Garza’s wife identified his body through identification of clothing. Edinburg police also verified identity through dental records. Texas DPS asks anyone with information to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip HERE. Texas Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $3,000 to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of the person/persons responsible for this crime.
CCR: Unknown
Date Reported: August 12, 2008
VICTIM DETAILS
Name Manuel Olivarez Jr.
Age 42
Gender Male
Race Hispanic/Latino
SUSPECT DETAILS
Name Unknown
Offense Missing Person (Presumed Murdered)
Cause Unknown
Location Unknown
CASE DETAILS
Status Unsolved
Incident location Unknown
Rio Grande City TX, 78582
Starr
L.E.A Starr County Sheriff's Office

According to law enforcement sources Manuel was kidnaped possibly from Rio Grande City area during the day in 12-08-2008. As time passes, the investigation leads become fewer. Leads are essential in helping solve a missing person’s case. Do not be afraid to get involved, should know something about this case you can call a Tip Line anonymously with information. Any Tip on evidence or information - regardless you think is significant or not – you should be reported. “If You See Something, Say Something" and submit a Tip Online at https://www.fbi.gov/tips
CCR: 09-04019
Date Reported: January 30, 2009
VICTIM DETAILS
Name Andres Ruiz
Age 23
Gender Male
Race Hispanic/Latino
SUSPECT DETAILS
Name unknown
Offense Murder
Cause Blunt Force
Location unknown
CASE DETAILS
Status Unsolved
Incident location S. Mile 10 on La Homa Rd.
Alton Texas, 78573
Hidalgo
L.E.A Hidalgo Co. Sherriff's Office

CCR: 12-13023
Date Reported: April 3, 2012
VICTIM DETAILS
Name Sandra Alcazar
Gender Female
Race Hispanic/Latino
SUSPECT DETAILS
Name Unknown
Offense Murder
Cause Blunt Force
Location Unknown
CASE DETAILS
Status Unsolved
Incident location 10680 N. La Homa
Mission TX, 78572
Hidalgo
L.E.A Hidalgo Co. Sheriff's Office

CCR: Unknown
VICTIM DETAILS
Name Efren "Pipo" Quiroz Jr.
Age 33
Gender Male
Race Hispanic/Latino
SUSPECT DETAILS
Name Fidencio Castillo
Offense Murder
Cause Gun/Firearm
Location Unknown
CASE DETAILS
Status Unsolved
Incident location Expressway 83 and Val Verde Road
Donna Texas, 78537
Hidalgo
L.E.A Donna Police Department

Cold Case Spotlight

DONNA – Police are searching for a 38-year-old suspect involved in a fatal shooting. The incident happened at a Stripes Store on Expressway 83 and Val Verde Road. Donna Police Cpt. Rick Suarez told CHANNEL 5 NEWS 35-year-old Efren Quiroz Jr., of Alamo, was shot Saturday night. He said the suspect, identified as Fidencio Castillo, zeroed in on the victim while he walked out of the store. He fired a couple of shots at Quiroz, hitting him once in the back, according to Suarez. Police issued out a warrant to arrest Castillo on murder charges. Suarez says on Monday, officers and U.S. Marshals searched his Alamo residence. Police say the crime doesn't appear to be random. Both the suspect and victim are believed to have known each other. Authorities are also looking for a 2008 Dodge Ram with license plate number, KCF-3128. If you have any information, you're asked to call Donna Crime Stoppers at 464-8477. If the tip leads to an arrest, you're eligible for a $1,000 reward.