A federal grand jury in Tucson has indicted Julio Cesar Aguirre, a 42-year-old Mexican national, on five charges related to an attempted carjacking that resulted in the death of a man. The indictment includes Attempted Carjacking Resulting in Death and Use or Carrying of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence Causing Death, both of which are eligible for the death penalty or life imprisonment.
According to court filings, Aguirre allegedly shot and killed the driver of a Toyota Tundra with a 9mm handgun during an attempted carjacking on June 30 in Tucson. Police officers from the Tucson Police Department found Aguirre hiding in a shed nearby shortly after the incident. Officers discovered that Aguirre was living illegally in the United States after being removed from the country in 2013. At the time of his arrest, he had a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol within reach. As both an illegal alien and convicted felon, Aguirre was prohibited from possessing firearms.
“The focus in this case should be on the senseless loss of the victim and the pain that loss creates for his family and friends. Our criminal laws exist to protect our community, and the United States has an obligation to enforce those laws,” said United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “The alleged series of crimes in the indictment, starting with illegal immigration, escalating to prohibited possession of a firearm, and culminating in the death of an innocent individual, is why the United States Attorney’s Office takes this matter so seriously.”
“This indictment represents a meaningful step toward accountability and justice for the victim, their loved ones, and all those affected by the tragic events in early July,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke. “The allegations in this case involve a senseless act of violence that claimed an innocent life and deeply impacted our community. Carjacking resulting in death is a serious federal offense. The FBI, in partnership with the Tucson Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, remains dedicated to pursuing justice and ensuring public safety.”
Convictions for Illegal Alien or Felon in Possession of a Firearm each carry up to 15 years’ imprisonment; Illegal Reentry carries up to 10 years.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative led by federal law enforcement agencies including Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN)—which aims to combat illegal immigration as well as drug cartels and violent crime across communities.
The investigation involved collaboration between TPD officers, FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson office, and assistance from Southern Arizona Violent Crime and Gang Task Force. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Arizona is prosecuting.
An indictment is not evidence of guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
