Community mourns 2 officers killed on duty

Friends and family members were mourning the death of two McAllen police officers who were killed Saturday while responding to a domestic disturbance call.

Police said officers Edelmiro Garza Jr. and Ismael Chavez Jr., were ambushed by Audon Ignacio Camarillo, 23, as they responded to the call. Camarillo then reportedly shot and killed himself shortly afterward.

The exact circumstances of the shootings remain unknown, but according to a relative of Camarillo who spoke on condition of anonymity, Camarillo was arguing with his mother and her boyfriend, and the altercation was loud enough that a neighbor called police, the relative told The Monitor on Sunday afternoon.

Police Chief Victor Rodriguez said the officers spoke with Camarillo’s mom before the shooting, and that she had reported an alleged assault.

Funeral services for the two officers will be later this week at the McAllen Convention Center, according to a news release from the city Monday.