Recent UTPA Grad Killed on Mother's Day

Victim's brother-in-law in custody

STARR COUNTY - A day after graduating from UTPA with honors, a young mother was killed.

Sorangel Garcia Rios was in Miguel Aleman for a graduation celebration, when her brother-in-law allegedly shot her. Mexican authorities have the suspect in custody.

There aren't many details available. But NEWSCHANNEL 5 learned there was a family dispute.

Rios' grandmother, Ernestina, says in spite of her death, Sorangel gave the family hope for the future. She says Sorangel accomplished so much in 24 years, planted the seed for the others to follow, and left the family extremely proud.

"She was a member of Honor Society, Student Council for Exceptional Children... very active," says Belinda Escamilla, the victim's friend.

Classmates and university professors tell NEWSCHANNEL 5 Rios had three job offers waiting for her.

The family says she wanted to accept a position as a fourth grade teacher at Escobar Elementary in Roma. That's the same school Rios' 8-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son are attending.