Charges upgraded to capital murder for Brownsville teen

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Cameron County Sheriff's Office announced charges against a teen involved in a drug-related shooting have been upgraded to capital murder, a capital-degree felony.

According to a news release, after discoveries in the investigation, the charges against Angel Sanchez, 17, were elevated on Aug. 15.

On Aug. 10 sheriff deputies responded to Katarina and Florencia Ave. in Brownsville in connection to a man who was shot several times. Emergency Medical Services arrived at the location and attempted to save the man, but he did not survive.

A murder investigation began and investigators with the sheriff’s office arrived on the scene. They learned the victim was making a drug deal when the suspect demanded the victim give him the money and the drugs. The victim attempted to calm Sanchez but he was consequently shot in the back.

The next day sheriff's investigators canvased the scene of the crime and located video surveillance footage of the suspect leaving the scene. Sheriff investigators identified Angel Sanchez as the suspect.

Investigators said as they approached Sanchez’s residence they saw him setting fire to clothing. He was detained and deputies secured the clothing Sanchez set on fire. Sanchez confessed to shooting the victim and burning the clothing he was wearing at the time he committed the murder to impede the investigation.

Sheriff Investigators arrested Sanchez and transported him to the Carrizales Rucker Detention Center where he is pending arraignment.

Sanchez is charged with murder a 1st-degree felony and tampering with fabricating physical evidence a 3rd-degree felony.