UPD dispatcher killed in July 12 wreck

Funeral services for Uvalde Police Department dispatcher Jose “Jojo” Luis Garces, 25, who died in a two-vehicle collision on July 12, are scheduled July 16-17.

Visitation will be held July 16 at 2 p.m. at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary, where a rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held on July 17 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Batesville.

Garces was pronounced dead on the scene after his vehicle collided with a Peterbilt that was also towing a utility trailer. The wreck happened at about 7:30 p.m. about 10 miles north of Uvalde on U.S. Highway 83.

Garces was driving northbound on Highway 83 and, “for some unknown reason,” swerved into the oncoming lane and collided with the truck and trailer, according to a preliminary report issued by DPS.

There were no passengers in Garces’s vehicle. The truck’s driver, Damien Garza, and passenger, Erik Cardenas — both of Laredo — were not injured, DPS Sgt. Rene Cordova said in a July 15 message.

Garces, a 2017 graduate of Uvalde High School, joined UPD in 2019. He was born in Welasco.

Over the weekend, loved ones, including family members, friends, roommates, local law enforcement agencies, and local businesses, delivered an outpouring of support and fond memories.

“We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” police chief Homer Delgado wrote in a statement. “His dedication and warm spirit will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, dear friend.”

The Uvalde Police Department did not provide definite details on its plans for a funeral procession as of 2 p.m. on July 15. This story will be updated as additional information comes available.