September 13th, 2010
Cops say ‘Mexican Mafia’ involved in Hays County murder

STAFF REPORT

Law enforcers investigating last month’s murder of a Lockhart man in Hays County said they have discovered ties in the case to an area gang known as the Mexican Mafia.

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) said Monday that investigators have uncovered “numerous links” between suspects and the Mexican Mafia. Investigators said they can’t speculate about the exact nature of the murder, but added they they are confident the persons responsible have been arrested.

On Sept. 1, police in New Braunfels pulled over a vehicle and found a body in the vehicle. During questioning, the suspects were found to have information relating to an ongoing investigation in Hays County.

The deceased is Walter Capello, 35, of Lockhart.

Police immediately arrested Johnny Gilbert Soliz, Jr., 45, of San Marcos, and Nemesio Garcia, Jr., 31, of San Marcos. Each was charged with murder. On Sept. 3, Elroy Davia, Jr., 52, of Driftwood, was arrested and charged with murder. On Sept. 11, Paul Tovar, 42, of San Marcos, surrendered to Hays County detectives after a manhunt that included law enforcement from the San Marcos, San Antonio and Houston areas. Tovar also was charged with murder.

Each suspect is being held on $750,000 bond.

Investigators said evidence gathered during the investigation has been submitted to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for testing and analysis. The results are pending.