Elderly Couple Found Dead Inside Vehicle at Mercedes Home; Police Investigating Possible Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
MERCEDES, Texas — The Mercedes Police Department is investigating the tragic deaths of an elderly couple discovered inside their vehicle at their home on 10th Street and Rio Rico Road. Authorities identified the deceased as 77-year-old Rosalinda Garcia and her husband, 68-year-old Joel Garcia.
Police said they received a call about the couple around 10:30 a.m. after concerned family members went to check on them. When officers arrived, they found the couple inside a vehicle in their garage, deceased and holding hands.
According to Lt. Jesus Rodriguez, the couple’s bodies were already in a state of decomposition when discovered. Investigators believe that the car may have been running at some point and that carbon monoxide exposure may have contributed to their deaths. However, when police arrived at the scene, the vehicle was turned off.
Rodriguez explained that the discovery was made by Rosalinda’s sister, who had grown concerned when Rosalinda failed to show up at the home of a family member she regularly cared for. After attempts to reach her sister went unanswered, she visited the couple’s home, where she made the devastating discovery.
In addition to the couple’s bodies, police reported finding narcotics inside the vehicle. However, investigators emphasized that there were no signs of foul play. The presence of narcotics and the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning remain active components of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have ordered an autopsy on both Rosalinda and Joel Garcia to determine the official cause of death. The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office is assisting Mercedes Police in the investigation.
The discovery has shaken the Mercedes community, where Rosalinda and Joel were known to be devoted to their family. Neighbors described them as quiet, kind, and family-oriented. The detail that they were found holding hands has struck many as both tragic and poignant.
Police say they will release additional information once autopsy results and toxicology reports are completed. For now, investigators are treating the incident as a possible accident but are not ruling out any circumstances until the forensic analysis is complete.
Lt. Rodriguez urged patience from the public, stating:
“At this point, we are still gathering information. The autopsy results will give us clearer answers about what happened inside that garage.”
The case remains under investigation, and updates are expected in the coming days.
