Lubbock Women’s Protective Services sharing resources for the community regarding domestic violence. This is following Sunday night’s murder which police are calling a domestic situation.
“That’s what we want the community to start being aware of, it’s all that stuff that leads up to that assault,” said WPS Coordinator Steven Garcia.
The fatal shooting killed Orestes ‘West’ Garza, 51, and sent Pete Garcia Jr., 55, to jail charged with murder.
The case has left Garza’s girlfriend Judy Garcia in anguish.
“I’m sure we’re not the only ones this is happening too,” said Judy Garcia. “If this isn’t handled differently it’s going to happen again.”
Lubbock police said they have two previous assault cases on file involving Garza and Garcia, however, they are looking into other possible threats or allegations filed that they may have missed.
“We have been investigating prior threats or may have information that suspect was armed but we will do due diligence and look,” said Asst. Chief Caspell of the Lubbock Police Department.
Lubbock’s Women’s Protective Services said there is community assistance that they provide for families in these kinds of situations.
“Unfortunately, it takes something like this horrific event to shed light on it and then it goes away, but it happens every day,” said Garcia.
WPS offers many types of counseling to abused victims and counseling for abusers- to stop their behaviors. They also provide initial free legal counseling, among other aid.
“I would advise people in that situation to journal and document all the abusive behavior that is occurring,” said Garcia as that can be helpful to prosecutors in the future.
WPS recommends you give the WPS 24-hour crisis hotline a call if you have any doubts or questions regarding a domestic situation (806) 747-6491.
If interested in donating to WPS they are collecting new towels and home goods. The Lubbock WPS is also looking for volunteers. You can visit their website for more details on how to help: www.wpslubbock.org
