After determining that he acted in legitimate defense of his own safety, his family, and his property, the Nuevo León Attorney General’s Office ordered the release of the elderly shopkeeper. He had shot and killed two criminals who robbed his business and murdered his son in the northern sector of Monterrey last Tuesday afternoon.
Don Juan, 70, was detained and held in custody by authorities for less than the 48-hour period established by law. During this time, prosecutors reviewed the relevant forensic and testimonial evidence to determine his legal status. However, reports indicate that the investigation file remains open and is still being compiled by the State Investigation Agency (AEI) to fully clarify the events.
The violent incident took place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the “Abarrotes Tejada” store located on Alfonso Santos Palomo Street in the CROC neighborhood—a property that also serves as the family’s home.
According to the investigation, José Tejada, the shopkeeper’s 28-year-old son, was tending the shop when he was robbed by two armed men. From his bedroom, Don Juan heard gunshots and his son’s cries for help; he grabbed a firearm he owned and immediately headed to the counter, where he surprised the attackers struggling with the young man.
Seeing his son’s life in danger, the elderly man fired at the robbers. One of the criminals returned fire before falling wounded, seriously striking the 28-year-old.
One of the robbers, identified as 28-year-old Brian Federico, died instantly at the scene of the shootout. Meanwhile, José Tejada was rushed by relatives to a local private clinic, where he tragically died an hour later due to the severity of his injuries.
The second criminal, 38-year-old Daniel Carmona, was transferred under police custody to the University Hospital; however, medical authorities reported his death on Wednesday afternoon as a result of the wounds he had sustained.
Public Outcry: The incident sparked strong indignation among residents of the CROC neighborhood. On Wednesday afternoon, dozens of neighbors staged road blockades and peaceful protests to demand the immediate release of Don Juan, whom they described as a hardworking man and a victim of the insecurity plaguing the area.
After analyzing the circumstances of the incident and confirming that the shopkeeper had reacted to a real, actual, and imminent attack on his property, prosecutors decided to release him, allowing him to face the legal proceedings and mourn with his family outside of police detention.
On social media, the lovers, family, and friends of one of the lowlifes began mourning his death; his various girlfriends even started a squabble over who had the best photo with him.
