The Arlington Police Department has apprehended a suspect in connection to the tragic shooting death of Benjamin Mancera, which occurred in the 1800 block of E. Mitchell Street on September 22, 2023.
On the fateful night of September 22, 2023, at approximately 11:50 p.m., Arlington Police responded to reports of a shooting in the 1800 block of E. Mitchell Street.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered 33-year-old Benjamin Mancera lying in the street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to Medical City of Arlington in critical condition. On September 23, 2023, medical personnel at the hospital informed authorities that Mr. Mancera had succumbed to his injuries.
Following a thorough investigation, detectives determined that the victim had been involved in a physical altercation with a group of individuals. During the altercation, one of the individuals brandished a firearm and shot Mr. Mancera before leaving the scene.
Subsequently, the homicide detectives identified the alleged shooter as 18-year-old Oscar Israel Gavia and secured a warrant for his arrest on one count of Murder. According to the arrest affidavit, Gavia is accused of killing Mancera by striking him in the head with a hammer and shooting him with a firearm. The affidavit also revealed that a strained relationship between Mancera and a resident of the same street may have played a role in the incident.
The affidavit described how Gavia arrived at Mancera's residence on September 22, engaging in a mutual combat fight in the front yard. Afterward, Gavia left the scene but returned approximately five to ten minutes later, accompanied by three additional vehicles carrying 5-7 individuals. Another altercation ensued, during which Mancera was possibly struck in the head with a hammer and subsequently shot. Gavia and the others then fled the scene in their respective vehicles. A witness at the scene positively identified Gavia as the shooter.
Members of the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force successfully located and apprehended Mr. Gavia on September 26, 2023, in Arlington. The arrest was made without incident.
Detectives are continuing their investigation into the involvement of other individuals present at the scene during the victim's tragic murder.
Oscar Israel Gavia has been booked into the Arlington City Jail and subsequently transferred to the Tarrant County Jail to await legal proceedings.
