On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, Hidalgo County Sheriff Investigators, in collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Violent Offender Fugitive Taskforce, successfully executed a joint operation near the 700 block of East Iowa Road. The operation led to the apprehension of Mario Cordero Jr., a wanted fugitive implicated in the shooting death of 23-year-old Michael Arevalo.
Following the arrest, on Thursday, January 18, 2024, Mario Cordero Jr. was brought before Justice of the Peace Jason Pena Pct. 5, Pl. 1. He faces charges of Murder, classified as a 1st Degree Felony, with the bond set at $2,000,000.00 cash surety.
Authorities are actively seeking a second person of interest in connection with this case. The individual is identified as 24-year-old Efrain "Keefer" Tenopala from Edinburg, Texas, affiliated with the Sureno 13 Street Gang.
This ongoing criminal investigation prompts a call to witnesses who may have information related to the case. Individuals are encouraged to come forward and share any relevant details by contacting the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office at 956-383-8114. For those wishing to remain anonymous, the Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers Hotline is available at 956-668-TIPS (8477). An alternative method for submitting anonymous tips is through the smartphone application "P3 TIPS." Authorities are urging the community's cooperation in assisting with this investigation.
