A man was taken to University Medical Center following a shooting at a Lubbock church Sunday evening. Just after 8:30 pm – about 2 and-a-half hours after the shooting – police said the victim died.
The shooting occurred at the Saint Elizabeth’s Catholic University Parish, located at 2316 Broadway Street, early Sunday evening.
Witnesses said they heard a gun shot when they were exiting Sunday night mass.
Lubbock Police immediately responded and Orestes Garza, 51, was taken to UMC where he later died.
Garza is known as ‘West’ by many in the community. He was a musician performing at the Mean Women Grill and The Cactus Theater.
“Genuinely loved by everyone that met him and his dynamite performing skills and human being that he was will radiate through the Cactus Theater and the Lubbock community for many years to come,” said Dustin Garrett, a friend and co-worker at the Cactus Theater.
Late Sunday evening, Levelland Police apprehended the suspect involved in the fatal shooting. Levelland Police Dispatch said the suspect is in custody at the Hockley County Jail. The name of the suspect has not been confirmed yet.
The Lubbock Police Department released the following information to EverythingLubbock.com following the incident:
“This evening at around 6 pm, Lubbock Police received a call of shots fired at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, 2316 Broadway St. Based on the initial information given to the Communications Center, and out of an abundance of caution, LPD patrol supervisors had units respond to the call as an active shooter situation. The church was immediately searched but no shooter was found and the scene was secured.
Initial investigation showed that the shooting victim, Orestes Garza, H/M 062064, and his wife were leaving the church when they were approached by a person known to his wife from a previous relationship. In the parking lot, the suspect shot Mr. Garza and fled the scene. Mr. Garza was transported to UMC having sustained life-threatening injuries where he remains.
Lubbock Police do not believe this is a random act. An active search is underway for the suspect, Homicide and Crime Scene Detectives are conducting an ongoing investigation, and more will be released as we can.”
NOTE: the police referred to his “wife” in the official statement. A family member said she would be more accurately described as his girlfriend.
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