September 5, 2025, | Cuero Online News
By Trisha Garcia, Cuero Online News

A major water main break in the City of Yoakum triggered a mandatory boil water notice on September 2, prompting widespread disruption across the community—including the cancellation of classes at Yoakum ISD on Wednesday, September 3.

According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water pressure in the city’s public water system dropped below 20 psi, raising concerns about potential bacterial contamination. In response, city officials issued an emergency advisory instructing all residents to boil water for two minutes before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or washing hands and face.

School Closure and Safety Measures

Yoakum ISD announced the cancellation of all classes on Wednesday, citing safety concerns and limited access to potable water across campuses. Classes resumed on Thursday, September 4, with district officials monitoring water quality and ensuring compliance with health guidelines.

 City Response and Ongoing Repairs

City crews have been working around the clock to repair the damaged water lines, refill towers, and flush hydrants to clear the system of harmful bacteria. While water pressure has begun to stabilize, residents may continue to experience low pressure for several days.

The boil water notice remains in effect until further testing confirms the system is safe. Once lifted, the city will issue a formal rescind notice through public channels.

Community Reminder

Residents are urged to share this advisory with neighbors, especially those in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses who may not have received it directly. Posting in public areas or distributing copies by hand or mail is encouraged.

For questions or updates, contact:
Victor Gomez
Director of Public Works
📞 361-293-6321 ext. 237
📧 dirpublicworks@yoakumtx.gov
📍 808 Hwy 77A South, PO Box 738, Yoakum, TX 77995

Cuero Online News will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

September 5, 2025

CUERO, TX — Texas continues to rank among the top five states in the nation for HIV prevalence, with more than 88,000 residents currently living with the virus. In 2022 alone, the state recorded an estimated 4,200 new infections, according to federal health data. While urban centers like Houston and Dallas dominate the numbers, rural counties such as DeWitt face quieter risks—often overlooked in statewide reporting.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) places Texas fourth nationally in total HIV cases, behind only Florida, California, and New York. The state’s viral suppression rate—a key measure of treatment success—hovers around 66.6%, meaning roughly one-third of Texans with HIV may not have their condition under control. Preventive care also lags: only 32.9% of eligible residents are receiving PrEP, the daily medication that can prevent HIV transmission.

Despite these figures, DeWitt County does not appear on the CDC’s “Ending the HIV Epidemic” priority list, nor is it flagged in state-level high-incidence rankings.

While DeWitt County may not be in crisis, public health experts caution against complacency. As Texas grapples with rising HIV rates, rural communities must ensure they are not left behind in prevention, care, and conversation.

September 3, 2025

VICTORIA, TX — The Victoria Police Department has issued a murder warrant for Charles Lee Brazil Jr., who is wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of Tyler Gamez, a 23-year-old Cuero High School graduate and father of an infant daughter.

The shooting occurred around 1:10 a.m. on August 30 in the parking lot of a business on Lone Tree Road. According to witness statements and surveillance footage, a fight broke out among several individuals. During the altercation, Brazil allegedly retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and began firing into the crowd. Tyler Gamez, who had stepped outside to observe the commotion, was struck by gunfire. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries.

Authorities have confirmed that Gamez was not involved in the initial disturbance and was an innocent bystander. Brazil is considered armed and dangerous, and police are urging anyone with information to contact Victoria Crime Stoppers at 361-572-4200. Tips can be submitted anonymously.

Tyler’s death has left a deep void in the Cuero community. A graduate of Cuero High School, he was known for his quiet generosity and devotion to family. He leaves behind a three-month-old daughter, the mother of his child, his mother, and siblings, all of whom are devastated by the loss.

“He didn’t own a gun. He didn’t go looking for trouble,” said the mother of his child in a public post. “He was ripped away from the people who truly loved him.”

 

Loved ones remember Tyler as someone who would “give his last just to make someone smile.” Now, his family is left grieving the sudden loss of a son, brother, and father—his life cut short by senseless violence.

Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators shows Brazil pulling out a pistol and firing into a vehicle as bystanders scramble for safety. Tyler Gamez, who had stepped outside to observe the commotion, was struck during the gunfire and later died from his injuries.

An enhanced image from the footage captures the moment Brazil—wearing a black jersey with the number “24” on the back, fires into a parked SUV. The muzzle flash illuminates the scene as people attempt to flee. The image has been circulated to aid in identifying the suspect and documenting the sequence of events.

Tyler’s death has left a deep void in the Cuero community. A graduate of Cuero High School, he was known for his quiet generosity and devotion to family. He leaves behind a ten-month-old daughter, the mother of his child, his mother, siblings, and several extended family members all of whom are devastated by the loss.

“He didn’t own a gun. He didn’t go looking for trouble,” said the mother of his child in a public post. “He was ripped away from the people who truly loved him.”

Tyler is described as someone who would “give his last just to make someone smile.” His family is now grappling with the sudden loss of a son, brother, and father whose life was cut short by senseless violence.

What remains is a grieving community, a family facing unimaginable loss, and a demand for accountability that echoes far beyond the crime scene.

Correction [Sept. 3, 2025 @ 10:03]: Age of daughter “infant” instead of newborn.

Correction [Sept. 4, 2025]:
Several paragraphs in this article were revised for clarity and accuracy regarding the sequence of events captured in surveillance footage. Additionally, an image previously included to aid in identifying the suspect has been removed in accordance with our editorial policy on sensitive content and community impact.