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Man arrested in link to Mission shooting

Editor’s note: This story is being updated throughout the investigation.

A man and a woman were arrested and two other suspects identified in connection to a fatal shooting that occurred in rural Mission on March 21.

Jason Sandoval, known as Andy Lee Rodriguez from Dalton, Georgia, was arraigned at the Hidalgo County Jail, Wednesday. He is facing a charge for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Sandoval has a cash surety bond set for $500,000.

20160325 MISSION shootingCapital murder warrants have been issued for 23-year-old Jesus Rafael Tapia and 29-year-old Maximino Herrera.

Sheriff’s investigators have obtained photos of murder suspect Maximino Herrera crossing the Hidalgo Reynosa International Bridge in the suspect vehicle, a white Dodge Nitro at approximately 9:54 p.m. on March 24

Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an unknown disturbance occurring at a home located at the 36000 block of Cedar Rapids Street in rural Mission at approximately 7:41 p.m. on March 21.

When deputies arrived at the home, they discovered the body of an adult male with apparent gunshot wounds, later identified as 29-year-old Israel Jaramillo Abundis. Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace Luis Garza pronounced him dead at the scene. Sheriff’s investigators believe Abundis was at the home with other suspects in a drug deal gone badly, which led to an exchange of gunfire.

Candance Rodriguez, 26, was formally arraigned by Judge Bobby Contreras on March 24. Rodriguez was given a $200,000.00 cash surety bond. She was charged with child endangerment, possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. Her involvement is still under investigation at this time.

Investigators learned that Sandoval was on the scene at the time of the homicide, but his involvement is still under investigation. Sandoval is believed to be a convicted felon.

Sheriff’s investigators met with witnesses who reported hearing shots fired. Witnesses reported seeing a white SUV and a white pickup truck leaving the area at a high a speed rate.

Border Patrol agents located and conducted a traffic stop on a white SUV in the McCook area on March 22. Other agents conducted a traffic stop on a white pickup truck in Starr County. Both vehicles are believed to be connected to the homicide. The persons in both vehicles are being interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division can be contacted at 956-383-8114. A person with information may remain anonymous by calling the Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers hotline at 956-668-TIPS (8477). If the information provided through the hotline leads to an arrest, the caller may be eligible for a cash reward.

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