Family Dispute Ends in Murder

LUBBOCK, TX — A family altercation turned deadly early Sunday morning, December 15, when a Lubbock man shot and killed another man after a night out at Cowpokes, a local dance hall.

According to court documents, Lubbock Police responded to a report of shots fired in the 2800 block of Fordham Street early morning on December 15, at approximately 3:47 a.m. Officers arrived at the scene and found that Jaydon Garcia had been shot and was immediately transported to University Medical Center (UMC). Records state that Garcia later died from the gunshot.

Witnesses identified the suspect as Sergio De La Cerda, 24, who was reportedly involved in a verbal altercation with Garcia that escalated into gunfire. According to one witness, Garcia had been out earlier in the night with family and friends at Cowpokes, a local venue known for live music and dancing. The group eventually went to a cousin’s house after Cowpokes closed at 2:00 a.m.

According to witnesses, the altercation between Garcia and his cousin, John Suniga, spilled into the street. The witness, who tried to help de-escalate the situation, said he did not see any weapons at first but then heard a gunshot. He saw De La Cerda, Suniga, and other friends fleeing the scene in a gray GMC truck. The witness later identified De La Cerda as the shooter, although he didn’t see the gun at the time.

Another witness corroborated the details, saying she was trying to get Garcia into his vehicle when the argument took place. She identified De La Cerda as the shooter but didn’t witness the shooting directly. She confirmed that De La Cerda and others left the scene in a tan truck.

Johnny Banda, who was also present, recalled Garcia threatening De La Cerda, saying, "Don't let me get to my car, or I'll put you ten feet deep." Banda said the gunshot followed soon after. Records stated that Banda later spoke with De La Cerda on the phone, and the suspect reportedly said he shot Garcia in response to the threat.

John Suniga was interviewed and was initially hesitant to speak but eventually confirmed that De La Cerda had shot Garcia. Suniga described the weapon as a black and gray handgun and mentioned it was likely purchased in a private sale.

Sergio De La Cerda was found by investigators and questioned, though he denied shooting Garcia. According to the criminal complaint filed against him, it states that he intentionally shot and killed Garcia.

As of December 16, Sergio De La Cerda remains in custody at the Lubbock County Detention Center and has been charged with Murder. His bond is set at $250,000. 

Updates to the investigation will be provided as more information is released.