San Angelo, TX – On Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, units with the San Angelo Police Department were dispatched to the 2800 block of Pecan Street following the report of a “shots fired” call around 1:30 a.m., however shortly after the initial call the incident was upgraded to a shooting.
The suspect, 18-year-old Arturo Garcia, was apprehended by police at the intersection of E. 28th St. and Oaklawn where they say he was seen walking away from an alley.
According to the report filed by police, officers found the victim, identified as 19-year-old John Samuel Dagen of Brady, Texas, lying on his back in the street near the end of an alley off of 29th St. Dagen was immediately transported to a local hospital, but later succumbed to his injuries.
Officers at the scene reportedly found, “multiple .40 caliber cartridge cases and one spent .40 caliber full metal jacket bullet next to what appeared to be an impact crater in the asphalt where the victim had been laying.”
Investigators walked down the alley and observed several mixed caliber cartridge cases, specifically .40 mm and 9 mm, near some bloody clothing and what was determined to be a black handgun with an empty magazine and a chamber with the slide locked back. These items were located in the backyard of a residence off E. 28th St. where the defendant's wounded counterpart was also apprehended by police.
18-Year-Old Arturo Garcia Charged in the Murder of 19-Year-Old John Samuel Dagen
Following his apprehension an officer sent photos of Garcia's shoe soles to investigators at the scene, as they analyzed footprints found in the alley. The impressions found in the dirt near where the victim was found matched the soles of Garcia's shoes perfectly.
Arresting officers advised Garcia of his Miranda rights and he was taken in some time later by investigators for further questioning. During an interview investigators learned that Garcia, who admitted he had been affiliated with the South Side 25 for four years, was with another male subject walking down the alley towards a residence intending to go to a party. The Defendant claimed there was a group of people walking towards them in the alley who yelled, "F*** South Side."
Then Garcia stated the group began firing upon he and his counterpart and that's when his counterpart was struck by the gunfire. Shortly after Garcia changed his story claiming the group of people had actually been at the end of the alley near the street when the confrontation occurred.
Thats when Garcia says he began returning gun fire toward the group as he ran away back down the alley for cover. Later in his interview Garcia admitted, "the thing is, i'm not gonna lie, I think I hit a girl, I heard her scream like a girl, like it was his (the victim's) girlfriend or some s***."
Garcia would go onto say that he then helped his injured counterpart into the backyard of the residence down the alley before he left the area walking away on foot, prior to his arrest.
During his apprehension Garcia stated that he was carrying a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun with a full 30 round magazine, and some "random ammunition."
Investigators say there could be more developments in the case and possibly additional charges coming as they learn more information in their ongoing investigation. Arturo Garcia is currently sitting in the Tom Green County Jail where he is being held on $501,500 in bond at this time.
Subscribe to the LIVE! Daily
Required
Post a comment to this article here: