A 30-year-old Laredo father, Abel Garza, has been charged with murder and child endangerment in the death of his wife, Mayra Alejandra Landeros, according to District Attorney Isidro Alaniz. Alaniz said he expects to prosecute the case and said he confirmed there were previous reported incidents involving the couple.
Court records show Landeros earlier withdrew a protective order against Garza. Records also say she reportedly filed an affidavit calling her initial report false. Laredo Police Chief Miguel Rodriguez said cycles like this often trap victims, citing financial reasons and promises that the person will change.
Rodriguez said Garza has been arrested before and that detectives are reviewing the couple's history, including records from California. Garza also faces two counts each of child endangerment and abandonment. Child Protective Services is handling the case of the couple's two daughters, ages 2 and 5. Investigators said key interviews are only beginning.