A Texas Man Shot And Killed His Uncle In A Fight Over Two Pet Roosters

A Texas man has been charged with capital murder after allegedly shooting his uncle in a dispute over the ownership of two pet roosters, according to reports.

Aaron Cervantes, 21, is being held on a $2 million bond by Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace Jerry Muñoz for the alleged murder of his uncle, 54-year-old Fernando Madrid. The incident occurred early Thursday morning in the Rio Grande Valley, as reported by Valley Central.

Aaron Cervantes is facing capital murder for allegedly fatally shooting his uncle Fernando Madrid in a dispute over two roosters.

According to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, family members at Madrid’s rural Mission home on Doffing Road informed deputies that Cervantes arrived with another relative to reclaim two roosters he claimed were his. When Cervantes began taking the birds, Madrid confronted him, leading to a physical altercation. The fight escalated when Cervantes drew a handgun and shot Madrid inside his home, officials said.

Officers arrived around 4:00 a.m. Thursday and found Madrid in a bathroom with a gunshot wound. EMS confirmed his death. The second man present was released after authorities determined he had no role in the shooting.

Fernando Madrid

Madrid’s stepdaughter, Lynette Garzaa, started a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses. “My stepdad Fernando Madrid was murdered at his own home,” Garzaa wrote on Facebook. “We are asking everyone for help to give Fernando Madrid a proper funeral; anything will be greatly appreciated.” The service for Madrid is scheduled for Monday, and the fundraising page had collected $295 of a $10,000 goal as of Sunday afternoon.

Cervantes allegedly went to Madrid's home to take two roosters he claimed were his but Madrid confronted him sparking a dispute that ended with Cervantes allegedly shooting his kin with a handgun.

Officials did not confirm whether the dispute was related to cockfighting, a prevalent issue in rural Texas where birds are made to fight for sport and betting, according to Express News.

In Texas, a conviction for capital murder can result in the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. Cervantes is currently held in Hidalgo County Jail. It is unclear who his lawyer is at this time.