Mexican national, Gustavo Tijerina-Sandoval, convicted of shooting dead a U.S. Border Patrol agent during a carjacking, could now face the death penalty in Texas
Mexican national, Gustavo Tijerina-Sandoval, was accused of shooting and killing a Border Patrol agent during a carjacking in 2014
Tijerina-Sandoval, 34, was convicted Wednesday for killing Javier Vega Jr
The 2014 shooting occurred while the Vega family was fishing in Santa Monica, Willacy County, Texas
Tijerina, along with Ismael Hernandez-Vallejo are accused of fatally shooting Javier Vega Jr. in the chest, the victim’s dad, Javier Vega Sr., was also shot in the hip
The agent’s wife, his mother, two children and another child were fishing at “their favorite spot,” when the killing occurred in 2014.
Tijerina-Sandoval and Hernandez-Vallejo faced charges of capital murder, attempted capital murder, four counts of aggravated robbery and tampering with evidence
Court testimony said Tijerina-Sandoval attempted to carjack the family’s vehicle
He was also convicted of shooting the agent’s dad, Javier Vega Sr in the hip during the attempted robbery
Tijerina-Sandoval now faces the death penalty at sentencing on Thursday
Hernandez-Vallejo is also facing the death penalty
Gustavo Tijerina-Sandoval was convicted Wednesday for the 2014 killing of Javier Vega Jr
Gustavo Tijerina-Sandoval is one of two men accused of murdering Javier Vega Jr., an off-duty Border Patrol agent who was shot and killed in Willacy County in August 2014, could face the death penalty in the killing of Javier Vega Jr, who was fatally shot during a family fishing trip in southeast Texas.
Sentencing is set for Thursday afternoon.
Tijerina-Sandoval was also convicted Wednesday of attempted capital murder for shooting and wounding Vega’s father, Javier Vega Sr, according to the Brownsville Herald.
Off duty Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega Jr [photo L-R], was killed defending his family when the suspects tried robbing them while fishing in Santa Monica, Tex in 2014 
The victim’s dad Javier Vega Sr [center] was also shot and injured during the incident Gustavo. The 2014 shooting occurred while Javier Vega Jr (pictured) was fishing with his family in Santa Monica
He was also convicted of shooting Vega’s father and now faces the death penalty
The Vegas family embraced each other while the verdict was read Wednesday while the convicted murderer remained emotionless.
Prosecutors say the shooting happened as part of an attempted robbery.
However, Tijerina-Sandoval’s attorney argued that his client was acting in self-defense.
According to court testimony, Tijerina-Sandoval owed $3,500 to someone and attempted to steal a car from the Vegas family when he fatally shot the agent.
A Border Patrol chiefs’ panel initially rejected Vega’s death as in the line of duty.
Tijerina-Sandoval and Ismail Hernandez-Vallejo have been accused of murdering Javier Vega Jr., an off-duty Border Patrol agent who was shot and killed at a fishing site in Willacy County in August 2014. Hernandez-Vallejo is also facing the death penalty.
The agent’s wife, his mother, two children and another child were fishing at “their favorite spot,” when the killing occurred in 2014.
The men faced charges of capital murder, attempted capital murder, four counts of aggravated robbery and tampering with evidence.He
Hernandez-Vallejo is also facing the death penalty.
T![Gustavo Tijerina-Sandoval [centre] 1.png](https://i0.wp.com/konniemoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Gustavo-Tijerina-Sandoval-centre-1.png?resize=620%2C332&ssl=1)
Tijerina-Sandoval [centre], now faces the death penalty
The decision later was changed after authorities determined Vega pulled his gun trying to protect others.
Willacy County Assistant District Attorney Charles ‘Chuck’ Mattingly told the jury: ‘The only true verdict, in this case, is a verdict of guilty on both counts. Justice demands it. The law requires it. And, most importantly, the evidence proves it.’
Mattingly said during closing arguments:’There can be no peace with out justice. Give the Vegas, their loved ones, their family, peace.’
Now the jury must decide if he will face life in prison or the death penalty.
Tijerina-Sandoval’s co-defendant, Ismael Hernandez-Vallejo, is being tried separately.
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