Border Patrol Agent: Laredo officer faces murder charge in wife's death

Abel Garza, a 30-year-old U.S. Border Patrol agent, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Mayra Alejandra Landeros. Landeros was 28 years old. The incident occurred during a domestic disturbance in south Laredo, Texas. Garza also faces two counts of endangering a child and two counts of abandoning a child. All four of those charges are second-degree felonies.

The events began just before 3 a.m. on Wednesday. Police responded to a report of a man knocking on doors seeking assistance. A police drone observed a vehicle departing the scene as officers arrived. The car was stopped, and officers found Landeros on the back floorboard with critical stab wounds. She died later at a hospital. This death is the sixth homicide recorded in Laredo for 2026.

Police detained the driver, identified as Garza, and confirmed he and Landeros were a couple. Officers located two children safe inside the residence. Laredo Police Department spokesperson Joe Baeza said the suspect is in custody while the District Attorney's Office guides the formulation of charges. Garza was transported to the Webb County Jail, where a bond of $1 million was set.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed Garza's employment in a statement. The agency identified him as an off-duty agent with the Laredo Sector. They stated that the Office of Professional Responsibility is currently reviewing the case. Garza was formally arrested at 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Chief Miguel Rodriguez noted that the initial call involved a man asking for help, which preceded the discovery of the vehicle and the victim.

The case involves specific charges filed by local authorities. Garza faces one count of first-degree murder and four second-degree felony counts. The bond amount stands at $1 million. The agency's internal review is ongoing. The children found at the scene are safe. The district attorney's office is working with the police department on the case.