Patrolman Hector Garza, 48, of the San Antonio Police Department, was killed on March 29, 2001 while attempting to intervene in a violent domestic disturbance. Officers had been called to the residence and initially stood by while a resident removed possessions, but were summoned back when a new disturbance began. During that confrontation Garza moved to separate the arguing couple and was shot in the head with a Mac-10 semi-automatic handgun by the male suspect, Frank Garcia. After Garza was shot, Garcia also shot and killed his wife, wounded her brother-in-law with an AK-47 and returned to shoot Garza again as he lay on the ground.

Frank Garcia was apprehended and charged with two counts of capital murder and three counts of attempted capital murder. Garcia’s mother was prosecuted for instigating the incident and received a one-year prison sentence. Garza is survived by his wife and five children. The case had a profound legal and emotional aftermath for his family and the department.

If anyone knew Hector Garza or has information about the March 29, 2001 scene, please share what you remember.