Two Arrested After Firing Weapons Toward Homes in Del Rio

Suspects Elijah and Shay Garza face charges of deadly conduct and tampering with evidence.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:54pm

An extreme close-up photograph of spent shell casings and damaged tree branches, capturing the stark, gritty aftermath of a shooting incident in a residential neighborhood.The recovery of physical evidence from the shooting incident exposes the dangerous reality of gun violence in residential areas.Del Rio Today

Two individuals, Elijah Andrew Garza and Shay Levon Garza, were arrested in Del Rio, Texas after allegedly firing weapons multiple times in the direction of homes and a responding police officer. The incident occurred on April 5, 2026, prompting a search by local police and Border Patrol agents that led to the recovery of the firearm used in the incident.

Why it matters

Discharging firearms recklessly in residential areas poses a serious threat to public safety and can lead to injuries or property damage. This incident highlights the need for strict enforcement of gun laws and the importance of community cooperation with law enforcement to address such dangerous behavior.

The details

According to the Del Rio Police Department, officers responded to reports of shots fired in the 700 block of East Virginia Street around 2:15 p.m. on April 5th. While canvassing the area, the officers heard additional gunshots coming from a nearby brush area, with some of the rounds traveling toward the officers and nearby homes. A search of the area led to the recovery of spent shell casings and evidence that the suspects had been using bottles and lids as targets. The investigation eventually led officers to an address on East Virginia Street, where they made contact with Elijah Garza and Shay Garza, who were later arrested and charged with deadly conduct and tampering with physical evidence.

  • The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. on April 5, 2026.
  • Officers recovered the firearm used in the incident in an alley in the 700 block of East Bowie Street.

The players

Elijah Andrew Garza

An 18-year-old resident of Del Rio, Texas who was arrested and charged with deadly conduct and tampering with physical evidence.

Shay Levon Garza

A 25-year-old resident of Del Rio, Texas who was arrested and charged with deadly conduct and tampering with physical evidence.

Del Rio Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident, conducted the investigation, and made the arrests.

U.S. Border Patrol

Federal law enforcement agents who assisted the Del Rio Police Department in searching the area and responding to the incident.

GEO Correctional Facility

The detention facility where Elijah Garza and Shay Garza were transported and held pending magistration.

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What’s next

The suspects, Elijah Garza and Shay Garza, will face a magistrate to determine bail and further legal proceedings related to the charges of deadly conduct and tampering with physical evidence.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of responsible gun ownership and the need for swift law enforcement action to address any reckless or dangerous use of firearms that endangers the community. It also highlights the value of collaboration between local police and federal agencies in responding to public safety threats.