Man found not guilty in "El Gallito" murder case sues over trial

A man who was found not guilty in his uncle’s murder last year is now suing the agencies involved in his arrest and trial, according to documents obtained by ValleyCentral.

Salomon Campos Jr. was found not guilty in the murder of his well-known uncle, Ernest “El Gallito” Gonzales, in October 2024, following a weeks-long trial which included testimony from officers with the Harlingen Police Department and a Texas Ranger.

RELATED: Salomon Campos found not guilty in the ‘El Gallito’ murder trial

In a lawsuit filed in federal court on Monday, Campos accuses the city of Harlingen, Texas Department of Public Safety, Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz and Harlingen police officers of violating his civil rights and rights to a free and fair trial.

Watch our series: RGV True Crime: The murder of “El Gallito”

Campos Jr. claims Texas Rangers and police officers falsified reports, illegally searched his home and damaged property and recklessly destroyed evidence. The lawsuit goes on to accuse the city of Harlingen of negligence, claiming officers weren’t properly trained on how to handle evidence.

Campos Jr. is seeking more than $3 million in damages. He also seeks compensation for emotional distress, damage to reputation and property damage during searches.  

ValleyCentral has reached out to the city of Harlingen, Texas Department of Public Safety and Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz for comment.

Officials for the city of Harlingen said it does not comment on matters involving pending litigation.