OJINAGA — A 20-year-old man from Presidio was killed early Sunday morning after he and his friends were caught in a hail of bullets, apparently intended for a car parked behind them.
The deceased, Alan Valenzuela, was previously a student in Presidio ISD schools, according to Presidio Mayor John Ferguson, whose wife Lucy had taught Valenzuela long ago. Two other men and a woman were not injured. All were employees of Cibolo Creek Ranch. A source who requested anonymity, said a survivor in the attack, who also preferred not to be identified, gave an account of what happened. The four were at the Palace Bar early Sunday morning when gunfire erupted. The woman ran and hid in the restroom while Valenzuela and the two others sped off at a high speed in their Jeep.
Sources with knowledge of the incident — including Ferguson — said they had heard that the men were caught in a crossfire possibly linked to cartel violence. A video sent to The Big Bend Sentinel appears to show the Jeep parked when another vehicle drives up and begins firing at a white car behind the Jeep, and the stray bullets hit the back of the Jeep.
The friends drove to the International Bridge, where help arrived, but Valenzuela was already deceased. Justice of the Peace Juanita Bishop said later this morning that she arrived at the bridge to pronounce Valenzuela dead at 3:59 a.m.
The Sentinel could not find any details of the shooting in Ojinaga media other than Facebook posts noting gunfire early Sunday morning and one person dead. The Presidio County Sheriff’s Office posted a “Rest in Peace” tribute to Valenzuela on its Facebook page this morning.
Presidio ISD issued a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our former student, Alan Valenzuela. He was a cherished member of our community whose light touched many lives. Alan will be remembered for the kindness, laughter, and spirit he brought to those around him.”
A Community Vigil will be held today (Thursday, July 10) at 5 p.m. in the Presidio High School Cafeteria. Counseling services will also be available at the Presidio ISD Administration Building on Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This story was updated to correct the victim’s age, clarify some of the details of the shooting, and to add information on a vigil and counseling.