Cesar Rodriguez
Laredo Morning Times, Texas
LAREDO, Texas — A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of a Laredo Fire Department firefighter, authorities said.
Ernesto Gillen, 43, was charged with murder, a first-degree felony that could carry a punishment of five to 99 years in prison or a life sentence.
“I want to offer the De Luna family the department’s deepest condolences on the loss of one of our firefighters,” said Laredo Fire Chief Steve E. Landin before starting the daily COVID-19 media briefing.
Landin said that Guadalupe David de Luna was a 21-year-veteran with the department.
“Our organization prays for him and his family,” Landin said.
At about 10:20 p.m. Wednesday, a 43-year-old woman called police to report a shooting at an apartment complex in the 6800 block of Springfield Avenue.
Responding officers discovered De Luna, 42, with an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
“It was determined that a domestic altercation led up to the shooting death of the victim, whereas Ernesto Gillen, 43, was detained in the investigation,” police said in a statement.
Authorities added, “All initial findings in the investigation were presented to Webb County District Attorney Isidro Alaniz and a charge of Murder was accepted against Ernesto Gillen. Mr. Gillen was transported to Webb County Jail in lieu of no bond.”
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©2020 the Laredo Morning Times (Laredo, Texas)