Mario Daniel Avalos, 37, of El Paso, Texas, was found deceased on March 16, 2024, in a residential area after officers responded to reports of an unresponsive person. Initial examinations showed signs of foul play, and the El Paso Police Department opened a homicide investigation.

Detectives spent the following weeks interviewing family, friends, and potential witnesses, examining the scene and nearby surveillance footage, and processing forensic evidence. Limited eyewitness accounts and a lack of immediate leads slowed progress, but by April 2024 investigators identified and arrested a suspect after forensic evidence tied that person to the scene. Authorities said the suspect knew Avalos, suggesting a possible personal motive, and charged the individual with first-degree murder; court proceedings were underway in mid-2024 with the defense contesting the forensic findings.

Anyone who knew Avalos, saw him in mid-March 2024, or has information about his movements is asked to come forward.