WESLACO – A man accused of killing his father sits in jail, held on a $2 million bond.

It's the second homicide for Hidalgo County and the second fatal domestic violence case.

It all started with a welfare call on Monday.

A daughter was concerned about her father, Joseph Fredrick Nocar, 76.

She hadn't heard from him since Oct. 21. 

When deputies went to check on Nocar in his Weslaco home, they had to force their way in.

They found Nocar dead.

Sheriff Eddie Guerra said an anonymous tip led them to his son, Joseph Robert Nocar, 39.

Nocar told investigators he had killed his father; he offered information that hadn't yet been made public.

Authorities found physical evidence in his vehicle later.

Guerra didn't make a motive clear, but said Nocar was a gang member and was arrested for his part in a bank robbery of 2016.

"We believe that our suspect has a substance abuse problem. We've been told that he has assaulted his father in the past when his father had not given him any money to buy drugs," says Guerra.

In 2003, Nocar faced an assault charge after striking his father with his hand. Sheriff Guerra said at the time of the homicide, there was no restraining order against his son.

The director of the Hidalgo County Victims Unit, Rosie Martinez, says there are many resources available for victims of crime, but many are unaware of them.

"Fear will paralyze you," Martinez said. "And also lack of information. A lot of victims don't know where to go. A lot of victims don't know that there's a 24-hour hotline that they can call. There's a 24-hour shelter for family violence victims. And it doesn't just have to be a female victim."

Martinez explained protective orders and emergency protective orders are options victims can pursue.

Emergency orders can be granted after an arrest and before the arrested person receives bond.

Otherwise, a victim can pursue a protective order through the civil system.

These require at least a signed affidavit, but it's recommendable that an incident report be filed with the police and signs of physical abuse be documented to strengthen the case if the protective order is challenged in court.

Victims can also apply for relocation services and financial assistance from the state.

There is also a Texas Address Confidentiality Program that allows people to conceal their addresses. The Office of Attorney General can provide a substitute address and mail forwarding service for victims of family violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking. For more information, you can visit their website. 

The 24-hour hotline is 1-800-580-4879 or 956-630-4878. 

The 24-hour shelter, Mujeres Unidas, has a website.

Services are free and confidential. They are offered to men, women and families experiencing family violence and survivors of sexual assault.

For more information on resources available or on how to create a safety plan ahead of your departure from an abusive relationship, you can contact the Victims Unit at 956-292-7616.

They are located at 100 East Cano St., Edinburg, TX, 78539.