Corpus Christi, TX — On Sunday, January 25, 2025, 21-year-old Justin Tyler Camacho tragically lost his life in a shooting that authorities are now describing as the result of a “drug deal gone bad” at the Windrush Apartments on Kostoryz Road in Corpus Christi. Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the fatal incident, following a thorough investigation by the Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD). Surveillance footage from the scene played a key role in identifying the perpetrators, who were later linked to organized criminal activity, including a previous aggravated robbery earlier the same day.

The arrested suspects, all of whom are believed to be affiliated with a local criminal street gang, are identified as:

• Guillermo Martinez, 18, arrested Sunday night at the Buccaneer Apartments on Texan Trail.
• Aaron Fuentes, 17, charged with capital murder and engaging in organized crime.
• Angel Galindo, 17, charged with capital murder, engaging in organized crime, and unlawful carrying of a weapon (after a handgun was found on him during his arrest).
• Eduardo Hernandez-Carrizales, 19, charged with capital murder and engaging in organized crime.

The arrests came as part of a coordinated effort between CCPD’s Robbery/Homicide detectives, the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Fugitive Task Force, and CCPD Gang Officers.

The Tragic Shooting and Its Aftermath

At approximately 9:45 PM on January 25, police responded to a call about a shooting at the Windrush Apartments on Kostoryz Road. When they arrived at the scene, officers found Justin Camacho fatally wounded inside a vehicle. Camacho had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the torso and was unresponsive. He was rushed to the hospital but was later declared dead upon arrival.

According to CCPD officials, the shooting stemmed from a drug transaction that quickly escalated into violence. Surveillance footage showed Camacho inside his car when the suspects approached. Witnesses reported that a verbal altercation ensued between Camacho and the suspects, after which shots were fired. The suspects, believed to be involved in the drug trade, fled the scene on foot.

Authorities noted that the shooting occurred in a high-crime area, and initial reports suggested that gang activity might have been a factor. Surveillance footage from nearby cameras confirmed this theory, showing the suspects fleeing the scene with haste. Investigators quickly obtained the footage, which played a significant role in identifying the suspects and their subsequent arrests.

The Suspects’ Criminal Backgrounds and Gang Affiliations

Upon arrest, CCPD detectives learned that all four suspects had prior involvement with a local street gang. The group was connected to a series of violent crimes in the area, including an aggravated robbery earlier that day, where the suspects allegedly robbed a convenience store before targeting Camacho in the failed drug deal.

The gang, which has been a known presence in Corpus Christi for years, has reportedly been involved in a range of criminal activities, from drug trafficking to robberies, and has been a significant focus of local law enforcement in recent months. The arrest of these four suspects is part of a broader crackdown on gang activity in the region, which has seen a surge in violent crimes.

Details of the Arrests and the Role of Law Enforcement Agencies

Following the shooting, CCPD detectives worked quickly to piece together evidence, using surveillance footage, witness testimony, and intelligence gathered through ongoing investigations. On Sunday evening, just hours after the shooting, law enforcement officials tracked down Guillermo Martinez at the Buccaneer Apartments on Texan Trail. Martinez was arrested without incident and was questioned by authorities.

On Monday morning, Aaron Fuentes, Angel Galindo, and Eduardo Hernandez-Carrizales were located and taken into custody. Galindo, in particular, was found in possession of a handgun that was later linked to the shooting. All four suspects were interviewed at the CCPD headquarters and booked into the City Detention Center.

The suspects face several serious charges, including capital murder, engaging in organized crime, and unlawful carrying of a weapon. Due to the severity of the crime and the gang ties involved, prosecutors are considering the possibility of seeking life sentences for the suspects, especially if they are convicted under Texas’ Law of Parties, which holds individuals involved in the planning, aiding, or abetting of a crime accountable for the same penalties as those who directly commit the act.

The Investigation and Future Legal Proceedings

The investigation into the events surrounding Justin Camacho’s death remains ongoing. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and interview potential witnesses. At this time, no additional arrests have been made, but authorities have emphasized that they are still exploring all possible leads.

Law enforcement is also analyzing the six firearms recovered during the investigation, as they may yield further clues about the suspects’ criminal activities. According to CCPD Chief, Jason Garcia, “The guns we recovered are not just connected to this shooting but to other potential crimes in the area. We are working closely with federal agencies to trace the origins of these weapons.”

The district attorney’s office has indicated that they will seek the maximum penalties for the suspects involved in the shooting. If convicted of capital murder, the suspects could face life imprisonment without parole or potentially the death penalty under Texas law.

The Impact on the Community and Calls for Justice

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Corpus Christi community, particularly within the Windrush Apartments complex, which has seen an increase in violent crime over the past year. Residents have expressed fear and frustration, and many are calling for stronger measures to combat gang violence in the area.

Camacho’s death has also had a profound effect on his family and friends, who have described him as a kind and hardworking young man with a promising future. His family has expressed their grief and gratitude toward the police for their swift action in making arrests. They have also spoken out about the dangers of gang-related violence, which they say has taken too many lives in their community.

A vigil was held outside the Windrush Apartments in Camacho’s honor, with dozens of friends, family members, and local residents gathering to remember his life and call for justice. The event was peaceful, but it also highlighted the growing concerns over gang violence in the region.

Community Support and Crime Prevention Efforts

In response to the increasing violence, local officials have called for stronger community policing efforts and more support for neighborhood crime prevention programs. Corpus Christi Mayor Joe McComb issued a statement condemning the violence, saying, “We cannot allow our city to be overtaken by crime. We must come together as a community to stop the cycle of violence and ensure our streets are safe for all residents.”

Additionally, the Corpus Christi Police Department has launched a series of initiatives aimed at combating gang activity, including increased patrols in high-crime areas and expanded partnerships with federal agencies like the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI.

The Corpus Christi community is also rallying behind local organizations dedicated to offering alternatives to gang life for young people, including mentorship programs and job training opportunities.

Final Thoughts and Legal Outlook

As the investigation into Justin Camacho’s tragic death continues, authorities are working tirelessly to uncover every detail of the incident. The arrests of the four suspects have brought a measure of relief to the community, but there is still much work to be done in addressing the underlying issues of gang violence, drug trafficking, and organized crime.

The suspects are expected to face a preliminary hearing in the coming weeks, where they will formally be charged and begin the legal process. The families of the victims, including Camacho’s, are determined to seek justice and hold those responsible for his death accountable.

As the case moves forward, it serves as a grim reminder of the destructive consequences of gang violence and the urgent need for continued efforts to combat crime in Corpus Christi and other cities across the country. Law enforcement officials have made it clear that they will not rest until justice is served for Justin Camacho and his family.