- October 9, 2025
Edinburg Teen Guilty of Murder, Sentenced to 37 Years
EDINBURG – A Hidalgo County judge has found Mauricio Mata, 18, of Edinburg, Texas, guilty of murder in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in Weslaco in 2023.
On February 11, 2023, the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a shooting in Weslaco. Upon arrival, deputies located an unresponsive male victim who had sustained seven gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures at the scene; however, the victim was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter.
Family members present during the incident identified Mata, who was 15 years old at the time, as the individual who fired multiple rounds at the victim. Mata fled to Mexico following the shooting and was later apprehended at the Hidalgo International Port of Entry on March 23, 2023.
The case was heard by Judge Keno Vasquez in the 398th District Court of Hidalgo County. On October 7, 2025, Mata was sentenced to 37 years in prison.
“It’s very unfortunate to see the complete disregard this young man has for human life and for the rule of law,” said Hidalgo County District Attorney Toribio “Terry” Palacios. “Be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time behind prison bars if you choose to commit violent crimes and wreak havoc on our community.”
The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant District Attorney Laura Rodriguez and Chief Assistant Criminal District Attorney of Major Crimes Hope Palacios prosecuted the case.