Zapata County Sheriff: Gunmen Open Fire On U.S. Couple
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Sep 30, 2010
Story Updated:
Oct 1, 2010
One person is believed to be dead and another shaken up after a group of men reportedly opened fire on a couple from Colorado on Falcon Lake. Officials said the couple is originally from Colorado but was currently living in McAllen, Texas.
"I heard the helicopters and was wondering what was going on,” said Zapata resident Shirley Bell.
Helicopters and several U.S. Border Patrol agents on boats could be see throughout Falcon Lake.
"It's kind of like living in a war zone," said Bell.
Zapata County Sheriff, Zigifredo Gonzalez said a woman in her late 20's and her husband went jet skiing on the Mexican side of the lake in international waters.
"They had been to Guerrero Viejo, the old church and were about 5 minutes away from there coming back to the U.S.,” said Gonzalez. “When they they were accosted by those individuals in boats."
Sheriffs received the call shortly after 2 p.m. Thursday. The woman told investigators four boats with a group of armed men began shooting several rounds at her and her husband.
"Her husband was shot in the back of the head and he was lying out there somewhere in the water,” Gonzalez said.
The woman said she tried to pick up her husband and put him on her jet ski but was unable to.
"They kept shooting at her also. She had to abandon the body,” Gonzalez added. "The bullets came real close to hitting her, she was seeing them landing on the water, but she was not hit."
According to authorities, the woman was able to escape unharmed and get help.
Agents could be seen using binoculars and diving in the water as they looked for any evidence.
"We cannot go into Mexico otherwise we would've already,” Gonzalez said. “I'd like to go out there and try to retrieve that body. Obviously the way things are in the border we would have to be very well armed to protect ourselves.”
Gonzalez said the man believed to be dead is 30 year-old David Hartley. DPS and other agencies are assisting in this investigation.
The Sheriff also told Pro 8 News they have contacted the Mexican Consulate in Laredo and other Mexican authorities to assist them.
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What if... said on Wednesday, Oct 13 at 8:49 PM
The couple lived in Reynosa for a couple years and were asked for one last favor from their "friends" across. They new the dangers of going to Guerrero Viejo but decided to take the risk. They new where the border was weakest and went for stuff when things went bad. Drug deal gone wrong? Who knows. Could happen, just like the way she said could happen but it doesn't sound real.
53775264dgj said on Saturday, Oct 9 at 10:11 PM
If they had the barrel at her head then why did they let her go? Then they decided to start shooting at her again. It does not make sense. She had a memorial and said that she would see him in heaven. If that was my husband I would have not given up in a week.
53528523John said on Saturday, Oct 9 at 12:08 AM
This Lady is telling the truth.people are just tring to sugar coated.all they can think of is the economy.Hide what is really going on in Mexico.Mexico is so corrupt! The D E A Enrique Camarena was killed the U S found out how far corruption was there.
53487499Kitty401 said on Thursday, Oct 7 at 3:30 PM
If she left to save herself and leave her husband, why run away. She should of tried her hardest to help him escape as well. For leaving him, no abandoning him, he is suffering without help. Americans should do all they can to protect all their citizens, even if we are near the border!!! People should petition to Obama for the right to bear arms against mexicans for the sake of safety,of our families, and our future children!!! He should know that we are not safe anymore. He became president for "Our" votes, now its time for him to repay for our votes and protect all our citizens!!!! Maybe he is not fit of becoming our president after all.......
53394008Out of the Box said on Sunday, Oct 3 at 9:55 PM
The ZCSO was pretty quick with their "overnight" investigation. Hopefully this thing doesn't take a strange twist. There's no body yet and only one eye witness. Everyone knows about the violence over there; why go there to begin with. The ZCSO should have ruled out foul play from the lady's part, and ruled out a plan to "disappear" from her husband's part before going public. This entire incident has the makings of an intricate scheme. The damage was quickly done to the tourism at Zapata County and Falcon Lake, even before the entire story unfolds.
53126871Out of the Box said on Sunday, Oct 3 at 9:53 PM
The ZCSO was pretty quick with their "overnight" investigation. Hopefully this thing doesn't take a strange twist. There's no body yet and only one eye witness. Everyone knows about the violence over there; why go there to begin with. The ZCSO should have ruled out foul play from the lady's part, and ruled out a plan to "disappear" from her husband's part before going public. This entire incident has the makings of an intricate scheme. The damage was quickly done to the tourism at Zapata County and Falcon Lake, even before the entire story unfolds.
53126788op said on Sunday, Oct 3 at 12:39 PM
Bring ALL of our soldiers home to protect OUR border/land. The US military is not fighting for our safety. Bring them home so they can!!!
53104267jj said on Sunday, Oct 3 at 12:38 PM
Like i said before. It's a war...a war on drugs, people, etc. BOMB THE HELL OUT OF THEM!!!
53104203Zapata Resident said on Saturday, Oct 2 at 2:50 PM
Zapata & Laredo economy is being ruined by the cartel drug war. We have no one to blame but ourselves. USA is one of the largest users of drugs & the demand for drugs continues to rise each yr. Mexico supplies where the demand and the money is profitable. We are to blame as we have alot of drug users both young & old.
53068001chill out said on Friday, Oct 1 at 10:14 PM
What a shame that the drug war has ruined Nuevo Laredo for visitors and now they want to ruin Lake Falcon its going to hurt the Zapata economy just like it is hurting the Laredo economy.
53040988Lee said on Friday, Oct 1 at 3:31 PM
It smells "fishy", someone should check out this story....before we start an international situation....check out what the parties are say'n....we should call Dateline investigators!
53024628cg said on Friday, Oct 1 at 2:44 PM
I cannot believe some people! "They had it coming"?! Are they insane! So we can shot any illegal immigrant crossing into the USA because "they had it coming to them". We need to break all ties with Mexico. They have no respect for the Unites States or our citizens, oh, but when they ILLEGALLY cross here they want us to throw the red carpet for them.
53021669Gringo said on Friday, Oct 1 at 9:13 AM
White people aren't safe here. We should all move north of the border!
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