Del Rio residents killed in Jal double homicide, suspect dies

Lea County deputies responded to a call on the morning of December 10, 2025, at the Merryman RV Park, 3469 NM Highway 18 in Jal. Deputies located three unresponsive people. Two victims had suffered fatal gunshot wounds and a third man appeared to have a self inflicted gunshot wound. First responders performed life saving measures on the third man and transported him to a hospital in Kermit, Texas, where he later died.

The Lea County Sheriff’s Office identified the two people killed as ÁLVARO GARZA GARCÍA, 20, of Del Rio, Texas, and ANDREA RODRIGUEZ, 22, of Del Rio, Texas. The man who was reported as the suspect was identified as JUAN MORALES, 27, of El Paso. The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is leading the active investigation and has characterized the incident as appearing to be an isolated event. Authorities said there was no ongoing threat to the public at the time the scene was reported.

For Val Verde County residents the immediate local significance is personal and practical. Two victims were young Del Rio residents, and families and friends in Val Verde County are likely to be directly affected. The transport of the wounded to a Kermit hospital underscores how medical response and forensic coordination cross county and state lines in serious incidents. Lea County authorities are handling evidence collection and follow up, while coordinating with local hospitals and other agencies as needed.

The ongoing investigation means key questions remain unanswered, including motive and sequence of events leading to the deaths. Residents seeking information about next steps should expect continued updates from law enforcement as evidence processing and interviews proceed. The Sheriff’s Office description of the incident as isolated offers some reassurance about immediate public safety, but the loss of two young Del Rio residents will prompt concern among community leaders about support for bereaved families and for measures that can reduce the likelihood of similar tragedies in the future.