Valerie Garcia, 20, and Michael Cardona, 21, both of Big Spring, were pronounced dead at Scenic Mountain Medical Center shortly after a shooting was reported at 905 E. 16th Street at approximately 9:38 p.m. According to police reports, Garcia was pregnant at the time of her death.

“Officers responded to the residence in reference to a shooting,” said Sgt. Tony Everett, public information officer with the Big Spring Police Department. “Officers arrived to find multiple victims had been shot. Some had been taken to the emergency room at Scenic Mountain medical Center by private vehicle and others were taken by ambulance.”

Everett said injuries were also sustained by:

Phillip Martinez, 19, of Big Spring

Daniel Rios, 21, of Big Spring

David Rios, 21, of Big Spring

“A three-year-old female also sustained injuries in the attack,” said Everett. “Garcia, who was pregnant, died, as did her unborn child. Cardona also died at the hospital. David Rios was treated and released from the emergency room, as was the three-year-old female, who had suffered a leg wound.

“Daniel Rios and Phillip Martinez were both transferred to Lubbock, both with non life-threatening injuries. Their transfers were due to an overflow of victims at the emergency room.”

Everett said the attack is gang related.

“This cowardly shooting is gang related. Witnesses all agree that a dark color Ford pickup was involved and there is more than one suspect involved,” said Everett. “Details are still sketchy at this time and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police department at 264-2550 or Crimestoppers at 263-TIPS (8477).”

Lt. Terry Chamness, acting as spokesman for the BSPD Monday morning, declined to comment on which gang is believed to be responsible for the shooting, citing the investigation is ongoing.

Chamness did confirm several shots are believed to have come from the Ford pickup, but said it's currently unclear how many suspects were involved.

“We're not sure yet how many people were in the pickup or how many were involved in the shooting,” said Chamness, who confirmed the police department is treating the crime as a capital murder. “We'll know more once we have the suspects in custody, but we are treating this as a capital homicide. In the end, however, it will be up to the district attorney what charges are brought against them.”

No arrests have been made at this time, according to police officials.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it