factmatter.icu
JAL, NM —A devastating tragedy has left families heartbroken and a community in mourning after a deadly shooting at the Merryman RV Park in Jal, New Mexico. In the early hours of Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at approximately 5:56 a.m., Lea County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the RV park at 3469 NM Hwy 18 after receiving reports of multiple unresponsive individuals.
Upon arrival, deputies, along with Jal Police and Emergency Medical Services, made a heartbreaking discovery. Two individuals — a young man and woman — were found deceased from fatal gunshot wounds. A third man, suffering what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, was still breathing when first responders reached him. Despite immediate life-saving efforts and transport to a hospital in Kermit, Texas, he later succumbed to his injuries.
The Lea County Sheriff’s Office has identified the deceased as:
Victim: Álvaro Garza García, 20, of Del Rio, TX
Victim: Andrea Rodriguez, 22, of Del Rio, TX
Suspect: Juan Morales, 27, of El Paso, TX
Investigators believe this was an isolated incident, with no additional suspects and no ongoing threat to the public. The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, and the case remains active.
A Tribute to Lives Gone Too Soon
As the investigation unfolds, the focus turns to honoring the lives of Álvaro Garza García and Andrea Rodriguez, two young people whose futures were stolen in an instant.
At only 20 years old, Álvaro Garza García had just begun charting his own path in life. Those who knew him remember his spirit — full of energy, dreams, and dedication. He carried with him the warmth of Del Rio, Texas, the place he called home, and the legacy of someone who cared deeply for those around him. His loss leaves behind a silence that will be felt by all who loved him.
Andrea Rodriguez, 22, was a young woman filled with promise, compassion, and resilience. Her smile, her kindness, and her unwavering strength touched friends, family, and everyone who crossed her path. Andrea’s life was a bright flame — vibrant, loving, and full of potential. Her memory will forever be a blessing to the many hearts she impacted in her too-short life.
Together, Álvaro and Andrea leave behind not only grief, but a profound reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of holding close the people we love. Their families now face unimaginable loss, carrying forward the memories and moments that will forever define who they were.
A Community Reflects and Seeks Healing
The shooting has shocked residents across Lea County and beyond, prompting an outpouring of condolences, prayers, and support. While investigators believe there is no ongoing threat, the emotional impact of the violence will linger long after the scene has been cleared.
The Lea County Sheriff’s Office continues to encourage anyone with additional information to come forward, as even the smallest detail may help bring clarity to the families seeking closure.
Anyone with information is urged to contact:
Lea County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division
📞 (575) 396-3611
Honoring Their Memory
As the families of Álvaro and Andrea grieve, the community joins them in remembrance. These were young lives — full of hope, laughter, and plans for tomorrow — now gone far too soon. May their memories live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them, and may they rest in peace.
In loving memory of
Álvaro Garza García
and
Andrea Rodriguez.
Gone too soon, but never forgotten.
About the Author
