A Roofer Charged with Murder After Dispute Over Unpaid Wages
A shocking incident unfolded in Gage Park when a roofing contractor, Victor Garcia, allegedly shot and killed his employee, Alberto Frayre-Estrada, during a heated dispute over unpaid wages. The tragic event took place on June 21, 2020, outside Garcia’s residence, leading to a chain of events that culminated in Garcia fleeing to Mexico for five years before being apprehended and extradited to face murder charges.
Garcia, 45, now faces first-degree murder charges in connection with the death of Frayre-Estrada, 40, a roofer who had been working for Garcia. The dispute reportedly stemmed from Frayre-Estrada not receiving his weekly pay of $1,500 to $1,800 on June 19, 2020, leading to a series of texts and calls to Garcia requesting payment.
On the day of the shooting, Frayre-Estrada informed a friend that he had arranged to meet Garcia for payment. Surveillance footage captured the confrontation outside Garcia’s home, where witnesses observed a heated argument escalating into a physical altercation. Tragically, Garcia allegedly brandished a firearm and fatally shot Frayre-Estrada, who later succumbed to his injuries on the sidewalk.
Following the shooting, Garcia fled the scene in a black Nissan, prompting a search by law enforcement. Subsequently, it was revealed that Garcia had fled to Mexico, leading to an international manhunt and his eventual arrest earlier this year. Upon his return to the United States, Garcia provided conflicting statements to authorities about the incident, claiming self-defense and denying ownership of the weapon used in the shooting.
Despite Garcia’s attempts to evade justice, Judge Susana Ortiz granted the state’s detention petition, ensuring that he will face trial for his alleged actions. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the tragic consequences that can arise from disputes over unpaid wages and the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully.
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