Officer III Reynaldo V. Lopez, 47, was shot and killed while working extra duty at the McAllen Civic Center during a quinceañera on July 10, 1993. Lopez, a 17-year veteran of the McAllen Police Department, was struck by gunfire during a fight that erupted outside the facility after several gang members entered the venue and lured a rival teenage gang member outside. A teenage gang member was also struck by gunfire.

Juvenile suspects in the shooting were arrested, tried as adults, and convicted of capital murder. The killing prompted the naming of a unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Hidalgo County in Officer Lopez’s honor. His death was a noted loss to the department and community; he is remembered for his commitment and devotion to duty.

If anyone attended the quinceañera or has information about the confrontation that led to this shooting, please share what is known.