Videos recorded from inside the family's truck show at least three masked agents wearing tactical vests marked with police surrounding the car. At least one of the agents is wearing a hat marked CBP.
The investigation revealed that when Deputy Yen Liu approached Adrian Abelar, the latter had already discarded a weapon and was face down on the pavement. Despite this, Liu fired at point-blank range, claiming self-defense against perceived threats, which ultimately led prosecutors to rule out criminal charges.
Judge Levin remarked that while acknowledging the alleged gang assault, the firearm's use in response presents "a disproportionate amount of force," challenging the legitimacy of self-defense claims.
Courtroom fighting erupted during a hearing for a murder suspect just hours after he confessed to the crime, illustrating the high tensions surrounding the case.
Teocaltiche, a municipality in rural Jalisco, is plagued by the violent presence of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), leading to civilian unrest.