Homeless Man Dies After Brutal Attack in El Paso

Victim Salome J. Lares was set on fire, beaten with rocks in Central El Paso

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:50pm

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A 46-year-old homeless man, Salome J. Lares, has died after being brutally beaten, set on fire, and struck with rocks in a vicious attack in Central El Paso. Suspect David Garcia, 33, is accused of intentionally igniting Lares on fire and then returning to repeatedly hit him with large rocks, including dropping a 10-inch rock on his head. Lares suffered burns to 40% of his body and a fractured skull before succumbing to his injuries.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges and dangers faced by the homeless population in El Paso, as well as the need for greater resources and support to protect the city's most vulnerable residents. The investigation into this suspected hate crime is ongoing.

The details

According to a criminal complaint affidavit, Garcia and Lares were identified as being "general delivery," which refers to unhoused persons. Investigators obtained video footage that recorded the deadly assault, which occurred around 1:20 a.m. on March 28. The video shows Garcia and a co-defendant assaulting Lares, who is left lying on the ground. Garcia then allegedly returns, douses Lares with a white bottle, and intentionally sets him on fire. Lares burned for about 10 minutes before Garcia allegedly returned to throw large rocks at him, including dropping a 10-inch rock on his head.

  • The deadly assault occurred around 1:20 a.m. on Saturday, March 28.
  • Firefighters responded to the fire at 3:44 a.m. on March 28 and extinguished the blaze by 4:08 a.m.
  • Lares was found critically wounded by firefighters after their initial response.

The players

Salome J. Lares

A 46-year-old homeless man who died from injuries sustained in the attack, including burns to 40% of his body and a fractured skull.

David Garcia

A 33-year-old man accused of intentionally setting Lares on fire and repeatedly assaulting him with large rocks, including dropping a 10-inch rock on his head.

El Paso Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the incident as a murder case.

El Paso Fire Department

Firefighters who responded to the fire and found the critically injured Lares.

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What they’re saying

“As the fire (increased) in size and intensity (Garcia) walked away without making an attempt to extinguish the fire or notify proper authorities.”

— El Paso Police Detective, Affidavit

What’s next

Detectives have booked Garcia on an aggravated assault charge, which will likely be upgraded to a murder charge following Lares' death. The investigation by the EPPD Crimes Against Persons Unit and the El Paso Fire Marshals Office is ongoing.

The takeaway

This horrific attack on a homeless individual highlights the urgent need for greater resources, support, and protection for El Paso's vulnerable unhoused population. The community must come together to address the root causes of homelessness and ensure the safety of all residents.