Janet Vichique, 28, was shot and killed on June 18, 2024, in the parking lot of a convenience store in the 2300 block of Maple Avenue in McAllen. Her boyfriend, 30-year-old Edinburg resident Fortunato Barrera Jr., approached her vehicle, opened the driver’s side door, and fired multiple shots that caused her immediate death. Vichique’s 3-year-old daughter was in the backseat during the attack and was not physically harmed.

Vichique had obtained a protective order against Barrera after alleging stalking, and Barrera had been arrested earlier in June 2024 on related stalking allegations. Witnesses gave a description of Barrera’s vehicle that led to his capture in the 3600 block of North Bicentennial Boulevard. He was charged with murder, violation of a protective order, and abandoning or endangering a child; bond was set at $11,250,000. The community has expressed grief and concern about domestic violence and protection enforcement.

If anyone knew Janet, her routines, or has information about the events that day, please share what you know.