HOUSTON -- Two people charged connection with a police officer's death appeared in court on Friday, KPRC Local 2 reported.
Andres Nava-Maldonado, 41, and Xiomara Mendez-Rosales, 36, have been charged with capital murder in the death of Houston police Senior Officer Henry Canales.
Both wore jail jumpsuits and were shackled at their hands and feet during the appearance.
Nava-Maldonado told Houston police he was from Mexico and Mendez-Rosales claimed to be from Honduras. There is evidence that they are in the United States illegally, officials said.
"It's my understanding that ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has placed detainers on both defendants, even if they do get bond," Prosecutor Julian Ramirez said. "They would still continue to be held on the detainer that has been placed on them by ICE."
The district attorney's office identified Canales' killer as 37-year-old Roberto Pedroza Carillo, who was also allegedly in the country illegally. Investigators said he fired 10 rounds at officers before an officer fatally shot him.
The shooting happened in the parking lot of a shopping center on Bellaire Boulevard near Hillcroft Street at about 9 p.m. Tuesday. Canales and other undercover officers were there to meet with four people who allegedly wanted to buy 35 stolen TVs and two laptop computers, valued at about $35,000. The group agreed to purchase the items for $6,500.
The probable cause report stated that after money was exchanged, Carillo pulled out a gun and told Canales to hand over the keys to a rental van containing the items.
Canales suffered at least one gunshot wound and collapsed at the scene. He was rushed to Ben Taub Hospital, where he died.
A second officer, R. Lopez, was handcuffing Carillo when he fired more shots, police said.
"As he's doing that (handcuffing), the suspect reaches back and he fires, we believe at least two more times, toward that second undercover officer," HPD spokesman Victor Senties said. "He's not hit. That officer fires his weapon at least once. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene."
Detectives said the other three people tried to get away, but were arrested a short time later. One of those was a female juvenile, investigators said.
"Under the law of Texas, anyone who assists or encourages the commission of an offense is also responsible for the offense," Ramirez said. "They both assisted in the offense."
Nava-Maldonado and Mendez-Rosales are being held in the Harris County Jail. Investigators have not said if the juvenile arrested will face any charges.
Funeral Service Finalized
Canales' funeral service will be held on Monday at 9:30 a.m. at Grace Community Church, 14505 Gulf Freeway. A private burial service will follow.
A public visitation will be held at the church from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday.
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