Felipe Mancilla Obituary, Death – Authorities in Hidalgo County are investigating a series of violent events in rural Mission that began with a fatal shooting and ended hours later with an officer-involved incident that left the suspect dead. According to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), the chain of events started around 1:47 a.m. on Saturday, when deputies were called to the 2400 block of Venecia Street. Reports indicated that a man was lying in the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds.
When deputies arrived, they found the victim critically injured. Officers immediately attempted life-saving measures at the scene. Despite their efforts, the man was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Authorities later identified him as 36-year-old Felipe Mancilla.
In a news release, HCSO stated that preliminary findings suggest the deadly shooting may have been drug-related, though the investigation is ongoing. Detectives began working overnight to identify and locate the suspect believed responsible for Mancilla’s death.
By mid-morning, Sheriff Eddie Guerra shared an update via social media. He confirmed that investigators had identified a suspect and that deputies, along with members of the SWAT team, were carrying out a search warrant at a residence located on the 1000 block of Pine Street in Alton.
During the attempted arrest, the situation quickly turned violent. According to Sheriff Guerra, the suspect opened fire on deputies, striking one of them. Other deputies immediately returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect. The suspect’s identity has not been released pending further investigation and notification of next of kin.
The injured deputy was rushed to a local hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Sheriff Guerra later confirmed the deputy was in stable condition.
The dual investigations—both the homicide of Mancilla and the subsequent officer-involved shooting—are being handled by HCSO with assistance from specialized units. Detectives are working to confirm the circumstances surrounding both incidents, including the suspected drug-related motive behind Mancilla’s killing and the exchange of gunfire that followed during the attempted arrest.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that the situation remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional details, such as the suspect’s identity and the exact circumstances of the gunfire exchange, are expected to be released as investigators complete their work.
The events have underscored the dangers faced by law enforcement officers during high-risk operations, particularly when suspects are armed and willing to open fire. Sheriff Guerra praised the swift actions of deputies and the SWAT team in bringing the situation under control, while also acknowledging the risks that resulted in one of his deputies being injured.
For the family of Felipe Mancilla, the tragedy has brought heartbreak and raised questions about what led to the fatal shooting. At the same time, the death of the suspect closes one chapter of the investigation, though detectives continue to probe the broader circumstances surrounding the violence.
Officials said updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
