Texas man wanted for shooting ex-girlfriend as she drove with new boyfriend
A Texas man is on the run after allegedly gunning down his ex-girlfriend while she was driving with her new beau, authorities said.
Mann Austin Hayes, 21, is accused of following Julie De La Garza as she rode in a truck in Cypress on Sunday afternoon — and shooting her in the head, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
The 20-year-old woman was rushed to a nearby hospital by her boyfriend. She was air-lifted to a different medical facility and declared dead on Monday.
“I just want justice for Julie and I just want [Hayes] to come forward,” De La Garza’s sister, who asked for her name not to be used, told Click2Houston.
“I just want him to come forward so the investigation can continue and my sister can rest in peace.”
Hayes’ vehicle, a white Toyota, was found abandoned not far from the scene of the shooting.
He faces a charge of murder.
A GoFundMe set up by De La Garza’s family to cover funeral expenses described the young woman, who lost her mother at the age of 18, as “strong and [with a] positive outlook on life.”
“Our sister has left a huge loss in the lives of all whom she knew, she will be missed dearly,” the page reads. “Our family is in need of many prayers for strength, peace and grace to move forward and any financial assistance which can help cover the cost of this great loss.”
Photo Credit: Harris County Sheriff’s Office