Álvaro Garza García, Andrea Rodriguez Obituary, Death – Authorities in Lea County have released more information after a tragic incident at the Merryman RV Park in Jal, where three people lost their lives early Wednesday morning. The event has prompted an extensive investigation by local law enforcement as they work to understand what took place and ensure the community remains safe.
According to the Lea County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the RV park shortly before 6 a.m. on December 10. The location is near a stretch of N.M. Highway 18 and is home to a number of long-term and short-term residents. The early morning call reported multiple people found unresponsive, which led to a rapid response involving deputies, Jal police officers, and emergency medical personnel.
When first responders arrived, they located two individuals—a man and a woman—who had suffered fatal injuries. A third man was also discovered in critical condition. Emergency crews attempted to provide immediate medical assistance to him before he was transported to a hospital in Kermit. Despite efforts by medical staff, he later passed away. Officials have emphasized that no other people were found injured and that the situation was contained to the individuals involved.
On Thursday, the Sheriff’s Office released the identities of the deceased. The two victims were identified as 20-year-old Álvaro Garza García and 22-year-old Andrea Rodriguez, both from Del Rio. The third individual, identified as 27-year-old Juan Morales of El Paso, was also found at the scene and has been named by authorities as the person believed to have carried out the attack. Because all involved individuals were located at the same scene and no other persons of interest have emerged, investigators currently consider the event isolated.
The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is leading the case and has been working closely with additional units to piece together the timeline and circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Investigators are reviewing available evidence, gathering background information, and interviewing individuals who may have knowledge of the situation. While officials have not released specific details about what triggered the violence, they have stated that there is no indication of any broader threat to the public.
Law enforcement representatives have also expressed appreciation for the rapid cooperation between agencies that responded, noting that coordinated efforts allowed them to quickly secure the location and begin the investigative process. Scenes of this nature often require detailed analysis, including collecting statements, evaluating the environment, and reviewing any potential surveillance in the area.
Community members in Jal and the surrounding region have reacted with sadness and concern following news of the fatalities. Local authorities have urged residents to allow investigators time to complete their work and avoid speculation as they continue to gather verified information. They also encouraged anyone who may have seen or heard anything connected to the events of that morning to reach out, as even minor details could help clarify the situation.
Officials have indicated that more information will be released as the investigation progresses, but they are being careful not to disclose premature details that could interfere with the case. For now, the primary focus is on understanding how the situation unfolded and ensuring that the families of those involved receive accurate information.
The Sheriff’s Office has reiterated that the incident appears to have been confined to the individuals found at the scene and that no additional suspects are being pursued. Residents are assured that there is no ongoing danger related to the event.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Lea County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division through its official channels.
