Cameron County Homicides Linked to Vape Sales on the Rise

Cameron County Homicides Linked to Vape Sales on the Rise

Officials Alarmed by Youth-Driven Violence Over Vape Products

CAMERON COUNTY, TX — A disturbing pattern is emerging across Cameron County, where authorities have now linked at least five homicides in recent months to vape product sales. The cases point to a growing intersection of youth involvement, illicit transactions, and deadly consequences.

The most recent and high-profile incident involved the 2023 murder of 20-year-old Adam Hunter Garza, who was fatally shot outside his home during a botched vape sale. Law enforcement has charged five suspects—including three minors and two adults—with murder and engaging in organized criminal activity.

“One of the common threads that we’ve seen in the prevalence of [homicide] cases is the vape products that are being sold and bought by young people, and its lead to the murder of at least 6 different individuals in the last year and a half…” said District Attorney Luis Saenz.

DA Issues Warning to Parents and Community

District Attorney Saenz voiced strong concern about the rising number of young people involved in deadly altercations tied to seemingly routine vape transactions, many of which are arranged through social media and messaging apps.

He urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s online activity, especially when it comes to unsupervised sales of vape products or other high-value items.

Helpful Links and Contact Information

• Cameron County District Attorney’s Office: https://www.cameroncounty.us/da
• Crime Stoppers Tip Line: 📞 (956) 546-8477
• Parent and Youth Resources: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/youth-resources

For more information or to report suspicious activity, contact the DA’s office or your local law enforcement agency. Anonymous tips are always welcome.