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Yoakum FFA Members Celebrate a Successful Day at the Area XI FFA Convention

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May 17, 2026

Yoakum FFA Members Celebrate a Successful Day at the Area XI FFA Convention

By: Pat Trevino | May 17, 2026

Yoakum FFA members closed out the 2025–2026 school year with a strong and memorable showing at the Area XI FFA Convention, marking a day filled with leadership, recognition, and milestone achievements.

Hanna fulfilled her final responsibilities as an Area XI FFA Officer, officially retiring her jacket after a year of dedicated service to the area. Her leadership and commitment were highlighted throughout the event, earning her well‑deserved congratulations from fellow members and advisors.

Yoakum FFA officers also served as voting delegates, helping elect the 2026–2027 Area XI FFA President and First Vice President. Delegates cast additional votes for talent teams and State Officer candidates who will represent Area XI at the Texas FFA State Convention this summer.

Adding to the excitement, the chapter proudly received their Career Development Event (CDE) award banners, recognizing the hard work and accomplishments of Yoakum FFA students throughout the competitive season.

The convention served as a celebratory finish to the school year, showcasing Yoakum FFA’s dedication, involvement, and continued success across the area.

Yoakum FFA officers also served as voting delegates, helping elect the 2026–2027 Area XI FFA President and First Vice President. Delegates cast additional votes for talent teams and State Officer candidates who will represent Area XI at the Texas FFA State Convention this summer.

Adding to the excitement, the chapter proudly received their Career Development Event (CDE) award banners, recognizing the hard work and accomplishments of Yoakum FFA students throughout the competitive season.

The convention served as a celebratory finish to the school year, showcasing Yoakum FFA’s dedication, involvement, and continued success across the area.

Guadalupanas Host Lively Cinco de Mayo Purse Bingo, Filling the Hall With Laughter, Color, and Community Spirit

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May 16, 2026

Guadalupanas Host Lively Cinco de Mayo Purse Bingo, Filling the Hall With Laughter, Color, and Community Spirit

By: Pat Trevino | May 16,2026

CUERO, Texas — The OLG Guadalupanas welcomed a full house on Friday, May 1st 2026 as community members gathered for the Cinco de Mayo Purse Bingo, transforming the parish hall into a vibrant celebration of culture, friendship, and friendly competition.

Guests arrived dressed in bright colors and festive embroidery, filling tables decorated with bold runners, flowers, and themed centerpieces. From the moment the first bingo cards were passed out, the room buzzed with excitement. Laughter, cheers, and the occasional playful groan echoed through the hall as players waited for that one number that could win them a designer purse.

Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed food, drinks, and plenty of conversation. Tables were covered with chips, salsa, candy, and colorful bingo cards, while families and friends posed for photos, showing off their lucky charms, matching outfits, and—sometimes—their overflowing purses of prize money.

The event featured multiple rounds of bingo, door prizes, raffles, and the always‑popular Gritó contest, which brought out the crowd’s loudest and most joyful voices. Winners proudly held up their purses and prizes for photos, while others celebrated simply being part of the fun.

Every corner of the room reflected the spirit of Cinco de Mayo: papel picado banners, cactus balloon displays, bright florals, and smiling faces. Whether attendees walked away with a purse or not, the atmosphere made it clear that the real prize was the sense of community the Guadalupanas continue to nurture year after year.

The group expressed gratitude for the strong turnout and the continued support that helps fund their parish and outreach efforts. With so many memories captured—friends gathered around tables, families celebrating together, and winners showing off their prizes—the 2026 Purse Bingo will be remembered as one of the most joyful events of the season.

The Guadalupanas also expressed deep appreciation for the many hands that made the event possible. From the volunteers who decorated the hall with vibrant Cinco de Mayo colors, to those who sold tickets, prepared the tasty snacks and charcuterie boards, worked in the kitchen, cleaned before and after the event, and kept the energy high by calling out the bingo rounds — every contribution played a part in creating such a joyful evening. It was truly a community effort, and the group shared heartfelt thanks for everyone who helped bring the celebration to life.

More photos

(Contributed photo)

Francis “Paul” Celauro – Dec. 10, 1943 to May 14, 2026 (82)

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May 15, 2026

Francis “Paul” Celauro – Dec. 10, 1943 to May 14, 2026 (82)

Francis “Paul” Celauro lived a remarkable life defined by devotion to family, service to his country, professional excellence, and a passion for adventure.

Born on December 10, 1943, in Syracuse, New York, to Frank and Lillian Celauro, Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Lenny Celauro. He was raised with the strong values, determination, and work ethic that guided him throughout his life.

Paul pursued higher education at Vanderbilt University, where he earned his Bachelor of Engineering degree, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in civil engineering.

He proudly served his country as a lieutenant in the United States Army Corps of Engineers, stationed in Germany, where he applied his engineering expertise in service to the nation. After completing his military service, Paul began his professional career as a civil engineer.

His work eventually brought him to Texas, where he first worked at an electrical power plant in Waco before relocating to Houston to join a private engineering consulting firm. Over nearly five decades with the company, Paul rose to become a partner, leading the marketing division and helping grow the organization into a thriving firm with more than 400 employees across eight offices throughout Texas.

Outside of his professional achievements, Paul embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. A man of many talents and passions, he enjoyed playing guitar, singing, karaoke, traveling, and Friday nights with friends at the Cuero Country Club. He also found great fulfillment as a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, competitive sailing, and ranching. His adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors reflected his appreciation for both challenge and tranquility.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Cathy; his children, Charles (Beth), Nick (Cheryl), Rebecca (Wayne), and Stuart; his cherished grandchildren, Adam, Anthony, Brandon, and Rylee; his sister, Carolyn Celauro Harmon (Baron); his sister-in-law, Kathy Celauro Bolton; and his nieces, Kate Schultz and Lauren Harmon.

He will be remembered for his leadership, generosity, humor, adventurous spirit, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Pallbearers include Gerald Bitterly, Charles Bitterly, Joseph Bitterly, Wade Stafford, Tyler Bitterly and Joe Salgado.

Visitation will be held Sunday, May 17, 2026, 3:00 – 5:00 PM at Freund Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held Monday, May 18, 2026, 10:00 AM at St. Ann Catholic Church, 4162 ST HWY 111 W, Yoakum, TX 77995. Interment will follow at St. Ann Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Paul’s memory to the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, DeWitt Medical Foundation, or Hospice of South Texas.

Kelvie “Everett” Marshall – Sept 3, 1952 to May 5, 2026 (73)

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May 15, 2026

Kelvie “Everett” Marshall – Sept 3, 1952 to May 5, 2026 (73)

YOAKUM: Kelvie “Everett” Marshall, age 73, passed away May 5, 2026.

He was born September 3, 1952 in Hallettsville to Kelvie and Lovie Castellow Marshall.

He was a truck driver, commercial fisherman and a rancher. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, daughters and grandchildren. He also enjoyed being on his tractor, hunting, fishing,18 wheelers and mainly being outdoors.

Survivors: wife of 49 years, Carrie Smith Marshall; daughters, Amanda Lampley (Brandon), Jessica Marshall and Kelsie Sevcik (Keith); grandchildren, Wrandall Lampley, Hannah Lampley, Faith Lampley, Case Sevcik, Chloe Sevcik and Callie Sevcik; sisters, Bonnie Foxell and Dorothy Neill.

Preceded in death by: parents; sisters, Marie Thomas and Nina Martin; brother, John Marshall.

He is buried at Hebron Cemetery and Pastor Adam Jaquez officiated at his funeral.

Pallbearers: Brandon Lampley, Keith Sevcik, Kevin Ward, Laney Rongey, Clayton Siegel and Donnie Farek.

Memorial contributions may be given to New Life Baptist Church or Hebron Cemetery Association.

Librado Leroy “Timbe” Lopez Jr., – July 10, 1958 to May 13, 2026 (67)

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May 15, 2026

Librado Leroy “Timbe” Lopez Jr., – July 10, 1958 to May 13, 2026 (67)

Librado Leroy “Timbe” Lopez Jr., 67, of Beatrice passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. He was born on July 10, 1958, in Cuero, Texas, to Leroy and Elena Lopez Sr. He graduated from Cuero High School in 1978. On March 9, 1982, Leroy married Rhonda Probst, and the couple later moved to Beatrice in 1987. He worked in the transportation department at the Beatrice State Developmental Center for 38 years before retiring.

Leroy will be remembered as a people person who enjoyed working outside, gardening, cutting wood, and spending time with friends in the garage. He was a member of Eagles Club #531 in Beatrice.

Survivors include his wife, Rhonda Lopez of Beatrice; daughters-in-law, Whitney Lopez of Cortland and Teresa Lopez of Beatrice; grandsons, Alec and Miles; sister, Virginia (Joe) Mejia of Beatrice; brothers, Joe Lopez of Cuero, Texas, and Sammy (Tara) Lopez of Victoria, Texas; brother-in-law, James Probst of Beatrice; sister-in-law, Angela (James) Klepper Lannigan of Beatrice; and numerous step grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Librado Leroy “Snook” Lopez III and Jeremy Lopez; parents, Leroy and Elena Lopez Sr.; sister, Gloria Lopez; brother, Martin Lopez; father-in-law, Larry Probst; mother-in-law, Sharon M. “Teddy” Albert; brothers-in-law, Steven Probst, Eric Klepper; and sister-in-law, Sheryl Probst.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Summit Street Church of Beatrice with Pastor Andrew Dungan officiating. A family prayer service will be held at 1:45 P.M. on Tuesday at the church. Burial will be at Evergreen Home Cemetery of Beatrice. Visitation will be held at the Fox Funeral Home on Monday from noon until 8:00 P.M. with the family greeting relatives and friends from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the family for future designation. www.foxfuneralhome.net Arrangements entrusted to Fox Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Beatrice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Librado Leroy , please visit our floral store.

How the unreported killing of an American by ICE shattered two Texas families

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May 14, 2026

How the unreported killing of an American by ICE shattered two Texas families

Josh Orta was the sole witness of Ruben Martinez’s death to dispute the government’s account. Months later, he died in a crash after learning an ICE agent killed his friend.

The last words Joshua Orta heard his childhood best friend utter were “I’m sorry.” Then Ruben Ray Martinez, a slender 23-year-old, slumped back in the driver’s seat. An officer had fired repeatedly through the open window, at least one bullet piercing Ruben’s heart.

Josh, 25, saw officers in South Padre Island drag Ruben out of his car that night in March 2025. They dumped Ruben’s body onto the roadway where they handcuffed him while he appeared unconscious, according to body camera footage. Law enforcement forced Josh into a police car, where he remained for more than four hours before officers moved him to a windowless interrogation room at around 5 a.m.

Ruben, police told Josh, was dead.

Three hours later and about 300 miles away, a state trooper pounded on the door of Ruben’s San Antonio home. His mother, Rachel Reyes, a 48-year-old nurse and health insurance administrator, heard the officer’s words: “On behalf of the State of Texas, we regret to inform you that your son, Ruben Martinez, passed away last night.”

There had been an accident in the Rio Grande Valley. Ruben, who had never left San Antonio on his own before, wasn’t involved in the crash. He came upon it by chance then went down a lane that he “wasn’t supposed to” and “tapped” an officer with his car, the trooper told Reyes. Another officer shot Ruben.

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry,” exclaimed the mother, who in her shock defaulted to an apology. “Is the officer hurt?” she recalled asking. No, the trooper said, the cop was fine.

It would be almost a year later when Reyes and Josh would finally learn that the man who shot Ruben was a federal immigration officer — a revelation that stoked their grief and ignited fresh anger at the government after months of unanswered questions.

That finding, exposed by a national watchdog group’s unrelated lawsuit in February, so shocked and enraged Josh that his family believes it may have contributed to his death hours later in an alcohol-fueled car crash. For Ruben’s mother, a former Trump voter, the government’s obfuscation regarding the details of the night destroyed her trust in institutions she previously respected.

They didn’t realize it, but Ruben’s death would be the first known killing by immigration agents of an American under Trump’s second administration. By comparison, the Minneapolis slayings in January by immigration agents of Renée Good, a mother of three, and Alex Pretti, an armed nurse with a gun permit, roiled the nation. Both were white, middle-class and protesting immigration enforcement, and their killings were broadcast in almost real time to the world. Ruben, a Hispanic man born and raised in San Antonio, had never protested and few civilians have come forward about their footage of his death.

Whereas local prosecutors in Minneapolis charged at least one immigration agent there with assault for their alleged actions during that crackdown, a Cameron County grand jury declined this spring to indict officers in Ruben’s slaying.

Martinez’s mother Rachel Reyes, in her home in San Antonio on April 10, 2026. Reyes didn’t learn until a year later that the officer who killed her son was an ICE agent. Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune

Reyes said that the apparent reluctance of authorities to provide details and accountability for what happened has her believing that the government is trying to “cover up” its mistakes in her son’s death. She now views that as a “pattern” by the Trump administration in attempting to evade responsibility for suspected failures.

“This is a young, sweet, funny, silly boy who spent his first night outside of his home,” Reyes said in her first public interview from her home. “He did not deserve this.”

Spokespeople for the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not respond to detailed questions. Neither did the South Padre Police Department, Cameron County District Attorney, nor the Texas Department of Public Safety overseeing the Texas Rangers investigating the shooting.

Acting ICE director Todd Lyons responded in an email that his agency stands by the grand jury’s finding that the federal agent should not be criminally charged.

“This incident was investigated from every possible angle by an independent body, and it cleared our officer,” said Lyons, declining to answer other questions, including about the involved officers’ training, history or experience.

Josh’s mother Virginia Mandujano, who has never before spoken publicly, also called for accountability, saying she believes her son perhaps wouldn’t have died in that manner if he had not been so tormented by witnessing the death of his friend. Immigration agents are there for “one purpose only and that’s to deport. Not to play cop,” said the 46-year-old home health aid in an interview.

When Josh finally made it home to San Antonio from South Padre, he was exhausted. As the eldest boy, he was not one to cry, but he was sobbing, alarming his family who had never seen him in such a state.

Virginia Mandujano holds a photo of her son Josh Orta in front of an altar dedicated to loved ones, including Ruben Martinez, who have died, in her home in San Antonio on April 12, 2026. Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune

“They shot my best friend Ruben, like they just shot him,” his brother recalled Josh telling him. “I legit watched my friend die right in front of me.”

Later that evening, Josh posted a story of him and Ruben on Instagram: “Lost my bf last night my head fuked up but we gone meet again.”

Conflicting accounts

Josh and Ruben met in kindergarten, their families said, and instantly became friends. Neither were close to their biological fathers, who had separated from their mothers when the boys were young. As Catholics growing up in San Antonio’s largely Hispanic South Side, both knew to respect law enforcement. Their mothers had instilled that in them, a belief in part bolstered by their proximity to Lackland’s U.S. Air Force Base.

The boys shared a passion for basketball, both playing it and rooting for the city’s beloved Spurs. The two spent hours every week shooting hoops at their neighborhood Catholic church’s court. Otherwise, they were typically at Josh’s house playing video games or battling over beer pong and pool.

When Ruben suggested that they go to South Padre to belatedly celebrate his 23rd birthday, Josh agreed. They arrived late Friday afternoon and spent the evening drinking with friends, Josh later told police. Shortly before midnight, they stopped at a Whataburger. On their way back to the apartment where they were staying, they encountered a car accident that blocked the busy spring break destination’s main thoroughfare, drawing law enforcement from across the region who were attempting to redirect traffic. Footage shows several drivers confused about where to go or what to do.

At Orta’s funeral, some moments between Orta and Martinez are shared in a 30-minute slideshow. Left: Orta and Martinez play beer pong. Middle: Orta and his family attend Martinez’s funeral, wearing shirts with his picture on them. Right: Orta and Martinez go out with friends.
Courtesy of Paul Mandujano

Ruben slowed his blue Ford Fusion to a crawl as he tried to navigate away. He was unfamiliar with the island’s streets. At first, officers waved Ruben forward, footage shows. But then one officer spotted a bottle of Crown Royal whiskey, according to the footage.

“Pull over right there,” the officer shouted. “Open container!”

Josh, who was in the passenger seat, told investigators that he heard the commands and believed Ruben continued because he feared being arrested for driving drunk.

Compounding the chaos, at least one officer yelled instead at Ruben to “keep going,” according to the footage.

The Texas Tribune is seeking any footage — cell phone video or other Instagram photos or posts — as well as tips related to the shooting of Ruben Ray Martinez by an ICE agent on March 15, 2025 in South Padre Island. You can contact reporter Lomi Kriel securely on Signal at 832-729-3421, via e-mail lkriel@texastribune.org or mail documents anonymously: The Texas Tribune, 919 Congress Ave, STE 600, Austin, TX 78701.

Ruben stopped at a pedestrian crosswalk to allow people to walk past, then slowly turned onto a side street. Footage shows his brake light on.

What happened next isn’t clear from the available video because neither of the federal officers had on body cameras and those by local law enforcement, who were further away from the shooting, did not entirely capture the seconds in question.

The ICE agents, Jack C. Stevens and Hector Sosa, told the Texas Rangers that Ruben didn’t heed instructions, so a few officers surrounded his car. Ruben “accelerated forward” and “drove so close” to Sosa that he “bumped his legs with the front bumper after telling him to stop.” Ruben swerved, causing Sosa to “fall onto the hood” of the car, the agents maintained.

Sosa’s colleague Stevens, assigned to the maritime unit with Homeland Security Investigations, claimed that he could smell marijuana from the car. Ruben’s eyes, the agent wrote, were “open widely, fist clenched to the steering wheel.”

“This is a behavior I have observed in my training and experience as a pre attack indicator and sign of noncompliance as the suspect is looking in the path of their intended movement and is not indicative of compliance,” Stevens wrote. “This path of movement, if left unmitigated, would, using the vehicle as a weapon, have resulted in numerous casualties.”

Orta posts to Instagram the day after Martinez is killed, saying the two would meet again. Courtesy of Paul Mandujano

Stevens alleged Ruben’s car hit him slightly, causing the youth’s car mirror to break off. He wrote in a statement that he “feared for the safety and life” of himself, Sosa, other officers and pedestrians. Recent attacks in which drivers used their vehicles, including one in New Orleans three months before when a man rammed a truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, remained “fresh on my mind,” Stevens wrote.

Ruben’s attorneys, however, said updated footage later released by the state police shows that at the time gunshots were fired, the car was stopping. That, attorney Alex Stamm argued, shows Ruben“didn’t place anyone in danger of death or serious injury, and that it wasn’t legally or morally justifiable to kill Ruben in these circumstances.”

Josh in his videotaped interview with officers also questioned law enforcement’s account. Ruben “panicked,” Josh acknowledged. As Ruben slowly turned, Josh saw an officer “on the hood” of the car. But Ruben didn’t hit the officer, Josh told police, rather he “caught his feet.”

Months later, in a statement to Ruben’s lawyers, Josh told them that the officer “seemed to be trying to get in front of the car, like he wasn’t moving out of the way when we tried to turn around and leave like the police officer told us to do.”

Ruben, Josh said then, “never hit the gas. The troopers were never in danger from Ruben and could have easily stepped aside while we tried to turn around and leave.”

A DHS spokesperson said that its agents are trained to use “the minimum amount of force necessary to resolve dangerous situations to prioritize the safety of the public and our officers.”

Officers, the spokesperson added, are “highly trained in de-escalation tactics and regularly receive ongoing use of force training.”

The local medical examiner found that Ruben, who according to his lawyers had no previous criminal record, had a blood alcohol content of 0.12 – above the state’s limit of 0.08 – and traces of marijuana and Xanax, a painkiller.

An ambulance transported Ruben to the local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Sosa, the federal agent, also was rushed there for a knee injury. After a few hours, hospital staff discharged him.

Reyes grows restless

Days later, Ruben’s mother and sister, Cassandra, drove to South Padre to pick up his car. Local police had impounded it so the mother had to pay more than $600 for its release. His sister drove the Fusion back to San Antonio, the bullet casings that had killed her only biological brother still strewn about the car.

Cassandra Martinez holds a portrait of her younger brother, Ruben. She drove his Ford Fusion back to San Antonio after police impounded it following his shooting. Bullet casings remained in the car. Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune

At Ruben’s funeral, his uncle read from Corinthians, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Ruben’s last communication with his beloved nephew and niece were “I love y’all, I’ll see y’all later.”

“Those words are still true,” the uncle, John Trevino, told the nearly 200 people gathered in Ruben’s honor at Mission Park Funerals, a mainstay of the city’s Catholic South Side. “It’s just going to take a little longer than expected.”

As the weeks drew on, Reyes replayed in her mind the few details officers had so far shared. It didn’t make sense. She scoured the news, finding only a brief mention days after Ruben’s death that an “officer-involved shooting” including a federal agency had occurred in South Padre.

At times, Reyes asked her husband if she should go to the media. Given the lack of documentation provided to her, she was having a hard time convincing lawyers to take on Ruben’s case. Her husband urged her to trust the process, have faith. Surely the Texas Rangers, one of the most highly regarded institutions in the land, would deliver justice.

Five months after Ruben’s death, his mother in late July received a startling letter from Amazon, where her son had worked for five years. Reyes had requested his life insurance payout, but an agent with Amazon’s insurance company wrote that the entity understood that had Ruben survived, he would have been charged with a felony, limiting her claim.

Reyes was stunned. While police had told her that her son “tapped” an officer, this was the most expansive information she had so far received alleging that Ruben was posthumously accused of a serious crime.

In her grief and confusion, she increasingly relied on Josh. He maintained that Ruben had done nothing wrong, a conviction that strengthened as time passed.

In August, Ruben’s mother found a Texas law firm willing to take on the case. Josh agreed to provide her lawyers a sworn declaration denying the government’s version of events. They wanted answers. But they hoped for justice.

“These claims are not true. I was there,” Josh wrote of the federal agents’ account. “Ruben was driving cautiously in traffic in his proper lane and certainly did not strike anyone with his vehicle.”

Josh added that Ruben’s family, particularly his mother, had been “left with no answers and no accountability. They have been denied transparency, and the official narrative conflicts sharply with the facts as I experienced them firsthand. Ruben did not deserve to die.”

“Survivor’s guilt”

Josh, like Ruben’s mother, struggled with the death. His family would often catch him lost in thought and knew that was when he was reliving his friend’s final moments.

“He couldn’t understand what happened,” said Josh’s mother. “He carried that weight with him.” He had “survivor’s guilt.”

Josh became more religious and began getting tattoos — Catholic imagery and “Ace,” a nickname for Ruben. Josh started drinking more, not every day, but more compared to before, his friends and family said. Josh abandoned his once obsessive weekly ritual of cleaning his prized Infiniti.

After Martinez’s death, Orta’s family said that Josh became more religious. He began, for the first time, getting multiple tattoos, mostly of Catholic imagery and of those in honor of Martinez, whose nickname was Ace because of his love of card games. Courtesy of Paul Mandujano

Josh’s family worried. His stepsister, Starleen Arriaga, who was close to him because they were the same age and had grown up together, urged, “suicide is not the way,” adding, “you will never see Ruben again if you go that route.”

He assured her, “don’t gotta worry.”

But his recurring nightmares often bolted him awake in a sweat. He told his girlfriend, 22-year-old Michaela Benavides, that he had the growing sense that he would die young.

“I could be, you know, gone too,” he reflected to his siblings. “Life is not promised.”

Last fall, Josh moved into a two bedroom rental house with Benavides, who he told family was “the one.” Meeting her lightened some of Josh’s darkness. He adored her, she said, sometimes bordering on excess, like when he offered her $1,000 to spend at the mall for her birthday present.

“Let’s pay the car note first,” she joked.

Often she awoke to his sobs.

“I just don’t understand,” he would tell Benavides, she said. “Why did they have to shoot him? Why not me? Like, he was a good person.”

“Goodbye, one last time”

In late February, a friend texted Josh a news story declaring that ICE was responsible for Ruben’s death. The information was not revealed by the government but obtained in an unrelated public records lawsuit by American Oversight, a national watchdog nonprofit.

Josh, his friends and family said, was infuriated.

It had been weeks since ICE officials had killed Pretti and Good in Minnesota, spurring nationwide protests. But Ruben’s death had made no such stir.

“ICE is crazy,” Josh responded.

Hours later, he tried to conceal his anger during the birthday celebration for his 25-year-old step sister and his 19-year-old sister. It was in the family’s backyard and they decorated it with red balloons. Josh wanted the night to be memorable so as the gathering wound down, he suggested some go to a bar.

While he waited for Arriaga to change, he sat outside with his girlfriend. As they gazed at the stars, Josh told her “life is unfair. I wish Ace was here,” Josh said, referring to Ruben by his nickname.

Josh had been drinking — “he kept doing shots, and he was like, ‘here’s to life,’” Arriaga, his stepsister, said.

Orta attends a birthday bash for his stepsister and youngest sister in the family’s back yard. It would be the last time Orta saw his family; he died later that night. Courtesy of Paul Mandujano

“I really feel like that party wasn’t even meant for us,” she added. “I feel like it was meant for him to say goodbye, one last time.”

At about 12:40 a.m. that Saturday, roughly the same time that Ruben was killed nearly a year before, Josh barrelled down Interstate 35 near downtown San Antonio with his girlfriend in the front and his stepsister and friend in the back of Josh’s Infiniti. Another car suddenly swerved in front, they said, forcing Josh into the exit lane. His stepsister and friends said Josh wasn’t able to slow down quickly enough, hitting a utility pole that forced the car to spin before ramming into a concrete barrier.

Josh’s stepsister, Arriaga, regained consciousness as one explosion hit. She and 22-year-old Gerardo Lopez scrambled out of the back as the car partially burst into flames. They tried to break the windows to help Josh and his girlfriend, but the pressure inside prevented them.

Benavides bolted awake. Turning to Josh, she saw blood trickling out of his mouth. He was slumped over and unconscious. Arriaga and Lopez knew there were at best a few minutes before another explosion would cause the car to ignite. They tried to wake Josh, but he didn’t respond. Get out, the friends yelled at Benavides.

She tugged at Josh. “Please baby,” she recalled. “I don’t want to leave you here. Wake up.” But he didn’t move.

Finally she crawled over Josh to climb out of the driver’s window. As soon as she exited, the car exploded, the force throwing back her and Josh’s friend. They begged the arriving emergency responders to save Josh. It was too late, they said.

Paul Mandujano, 21, stands in his family’s backyard where he installed a basketball hoop in honor of his brother, Josh. The two had always hoped to have one. Mandujano said knowing that Josh was finally close to Ruben slightly eased his pain. Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune

ICE’s first victim

For the second time in less than a year, Ruben and Josh’s mothers convened for a funeral. Despite knowing each other’s boys for years, they had first met at Ruben’s service. Now they were at the burial for Josh before the first anniversary of Ruben’s death.

That Ruben and by extension Josh, in their view, were victims of ICE didn’t immediately register for either family. When their relatives heard about Pretti and Good, they had no idea that their sons, brothers, and loved ones could also be part of such an incendiary political narrative. They were not protesters. In fact, both families largely described themselves as apolitical.

Josh had been so badly burned that officials with the local medical examiner’s office requested his dental records to confirm his identity. His mother begged to see him but an official told her, “I really don’t think that’s a good idea.”

At Josh’s funeral this March, his brother played a 30-minute slideshow he had meticulously worked on, adding Josh’s favorite rap artists to the soundtrack and featuring dozens of photos of Josh and Ruben throughout the years. Here they are playing beer pong. There, laughing and shooting hoops. Here being silly at a bar.

In his prepared remarks to the congregation, Paul Mandujano said Josh “wasn’t just my big brother. He was my best friend.” He recalled how generous Josh was, offering advice and helping to pay the family’s bills when his relatives fell short. Before Josh died, he promised his brother that for his 21st birthday this April he would help him to buy a car.

“There have been moments where this pain feels so heavy it’s hard to even keep going,” Mandujano told the crowd. “What put me at peace is when Josh lost his best friend Ruben he was heartbroken and in pain and came to my room and leaned on me so I know my bro is finally up there with him.”

Orta’s maternal aunt Rosemary Ortega, his cousin Mary Mora, his mother Virginia Mandujano, his girlfriend Michaela Benavides and his cousin Alexis Barrera pray next to his grave in San Antonio on April 16, 2026. Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune

About a month later, Josh’s family attended a vigil for Ruben outside of San Antonio’s city hall. Josh’s brother spoke on behalf of the family, saying, “We refuse to let them use my brother’s death in vain to justify their actions. Justice will be served for Ruben and my brother.”

Everyone now knew that an immigration agent was responsible for Ruben’s death. His mother started giving a few national media interviews. The statement Josh had provided her lawyers, which he wasn’t able to sign before his death, also made headlines. So did Ruben’s mother’s revelation that she had voted for Trump in 2024, mostly worrying about the economy, she later explained. This is what you deserve for being part of a cult, some commentators declared. You are an awful mother, they told her.

Josh’s mother said that although she hasn’t voted in any recent elections since choosing Barack Obama in 2008, she now feels that immigration agents should be “reined in” and focus on Trump’s deportation mandate rather than “killing Americans.” In this case, the mother argued, two U. S. citizens are dead because of the federal government’s mistakes.

Butch Hayes, one of Ruben’s family’s attorneys, said that when history revisits this moment in which he accused ICE of playing “gangster in our streets instead of protecting our communities,” Ruben will be remembered as the agency’s “first victim.”

“ICE ended Ruben’s life for no good reason, and Joshua’s death eleven months later is a further manifestation of the injustice wrought by ICE,” the lawyer said. “No amount of spin from DHS will change the reality that two decent American families have been shattered by their lawlessness.”

Ruben and Josh’s mothers often find themselves speaking aloud to their sons. Josh’s mother, at his gravesite at a South Side Catholic cemetery. Ruben’s mother, in his room, which looks mostly how he left it, except for a blanket emblazoned with his image Reyes tossed over his unmade bed.

For a while, she kept Ruben’s ashes there, too, but then it dawned on her that it might make him feel lonely so she moved the urn to a prominent living room mantle “so he could be close.”

A portrait of Martinez sits on a shelf next to his ashes in his family’s home in San Antonio.
Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune

Lomi Kriel

Lomi Kriel is a statewide investigative reporter for The Texas Tribune. Previously, she was a founding member of the Tribune’s investigative unit with ProPublica, joining the initiative in 2020 before leaving for the Tribune in November 2025. Before joining ProPublica, Kriel reported on immigration for the Houston Chronicle, often focused on the Texas border. Months before Trump’s first administration announced its family separation policy, Kriel uncovered it in 2017. Kriel is a two-time Pulitzer finalist, in 2018 as part of the Houston Chronicle’s Hurricane Harvey coverage, and in 2024 for the Tribune’s reporting with ProPublica and FRONTLINE PBS on the Uvalde school shooting. She is a George Polk Award winner, National Magazine Award winner, Edward R. Murrow winner, and Emmy nominee, among other accolades. Kriel, who was born and raised in South Africa, immigrated to the United States in 1998. She has worked as a Central American correspondent for Thomson Reuters and a criminal justice reporter for the San Antonio Express-News, among other publications. Kriel is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and Columbia University and speaks Afrikaans and Spanish.lkriel@texastribune.org

New Statewide Permit Requirement for Mobile Food Units Begins July 1, 2026

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May 14, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Statewide Permit Requirement for Mobile Food Units Begins July 1, 2026

Cuero Online News | May14, 2026

Cuero, Texas— Mobile food unit operators across Texas are being advised of a major regulatory change that will take effect on July 1, 2026, under Texas House Bill 2844. The new law requires all mobile food units to obtain a permit issued directly by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in order to continue operating within the state.

Under HB 2844, local permits issued by cities or counties will no longer be valid after July 1, 2026, and no existing permits will be grandfathered into the new system. All operators—regardless of prior compliance with local health departments—must apply for and secure a DSHS permit to remain in operation.

Local health officials, including the Victoria County Public Health Department, are urging operators to begin preparing for the transition. The department emphasizes that mobile food vendors are responsible for monitoring state-level updates and ensuring timely submission of all required applications, fees, and supporting documents to DSHS.

The statewide permitting system is intended to streamline regulatory oversight and create uniform standards for mobile food operations across Texas. The change affects food trucks, trailers, carts, and other mobile units currently operating under local jurisdiction.

Additional guidance from DSHS is expected to be released in the coming months. Operators are encouraged to stay informed to avoid service disruptions once the new law takes effect.

Press Release Prepared By: Pat Treviño

Ferman Curtis, Jr. – July 11, 1944 to May 3, 2026 (81)

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May 14, 2026

Ferman Curtis, Jr. – July 11, 1944 to May 3, 2026 (81)

SHINER: Ferman Curtis, Jr., 81, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2026. He was born in Shiner, Texas, July 11, 1944, to Ferman Curtis, Sr. and Lela (Price) Curtis. He married Leona “Tumpy” Curtis, who passed away in 2021. They were married 50 years before her passing. Ferman worked in construction and paving.

Survivors are his daughters, LaCherryl Curtis (Dewayne) of Shiner, Sharon Washington (Melvin) of Vanderbilt, Samantha Dilworth (Alton) of Cuero; sons, Dennis Curtis (Tracy) of Houston, David Curtis of Yoakum and Trey Curtis (Destiny) of Shiner, Martin Rosales (Megan) of Yoakum; brother, Edward Curtis (Katherine) of Houston; 18 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: wife, Leona Curtis; parents;

Buried May 9, 2026 at Blue Bonnet Hill Cemetery in Shiner.

Kent Kohleffel Obituary – January 7, 1967 to May 10, 2026

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May 14, 2026

Kent Kohleffel Obituary – January 7, 1967 to May 10, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kent Kohleffel, a devoted husband, loyal friend, and hardworking man whose life was rooted in love, family, and the simple joys of life. Kent was born in Houston, Texas on January 7, 1967, and his presence brought comfort, kindness, and a quiet strength that will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Kent dedicated many years of service to working at CCC and Alcoa, and then owning his own business KK Civil Construction where he built lasting friendships and earned the respect of all who knew him through his strong work ethic and kind heart.

On May 25, 1996, in Cuero, Kent married the love of his life, Linda Salazar. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and treasured memories, many of them spent along the peaceful riverbanks of the Guadalupe River. Kent loved fishing, the outdoors, and spending time with his beloved fur companion, Brodie, always happiest near the water with Linda by his side.

He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Meredith Haass; his stepfather Leo Haas: father Melvin E. Kohleffel; his brother, Chad Kohleffel and brother Terry Haass.

Kent is survived by his loving wife, Linda Salazar; his sisters Debbie Colorado & Sylvia Cerda, Laurie & Bruce Holzle, Susan Parker, sister -in-law Bobbie Kohleffel; along with many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Visitation will be held Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m., at Grace Memorial Chapel. Funeral Service to continue on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Grace Memorial Chapel with a burial to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Pall bearers will include Gregorio Salazar III., Zachariah Salazar, Mario Saenz, Samuel Caudillo, Raymond Rocha Jr., Robert Rocha, and Armando Salazar II. Honorary Pallbearers are Jeremiah Murillo, Dobeart (Dobie) Williams, Jonathan Molands, and Oscar Grahman.

Though Kent may be gone from our sight, the love he shared, the laughter he brought, and the quiet moments spent on the Guadalupe River will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved him.

Linda S Chandler – November 20, 1952 to April 29, 2026 (73)

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May 11, 2026

Linda S Chandler – November 20, 1952 to April 29, 2026 (73)

YOAKUM: Linda S. Chandler, 73, passed away Thursday, April 29, 2026. She was born November 20, 1952, in Beeville, TX, to Richard and Clara (Goode) Dunham. She married John Chandler in 1978. They had two daughters, Erica Chandler, of Austin, and Shannon Chandler of Nampa, Idaho.

Before retiring, Linda worked at Alco as a Department Manager. She enjoyed collecting owls, and antique shopping.

Survivors: husband of 48 years, John Chandler; daughters Erica and Shannon Chandler; sister Tomelynne Hemingway of Washington State; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: parents and two brothers.

It was Linda’s wish to be cremated. There will be no services

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MYRTLE JANSSEN – MAY 27, 1930 TO MAY 25, 2026 (95)
Jo “Jodi” Ellen Hubbell – November 12, 1951 to May 22, 2026 (74)
Fatal Crash Under Investigation in Cuero; Eyewitness Describes Harrowing Moments
The Epidemic of Loneliness — Even Here at Home
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MYRTLE JANSSEN – MAY 27, 1930 TO MAY 25, 2026 (95)
Jo “Jodi” Ellen Hubbell – November 12, 1951 to May 22, 2026 (74)
Fatal Crash Under Investigation in Cuero; Eyewitness Describes Harrowing Moments
The Epidemic of Loneliness — Even Here at Home
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Kelvie “Everett” Marshall – Sept 3, 1952 to May 5, 2026 (73)

Librado Leroy “Timbe” Lopez Jr., – July 10, 1958 to May 13, 2026 (67)

Linda S Chandler – November 20, 1952 to April 29, 2026 (73)

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