Patricia Lykos, District Attorney

Harris County, Texas

June 24, 2009

District Attorney Charges Two in Murder of Officer

Houston, Texas -- The District Attorney's Office filed Capital Murder charges against two adults allegedly involved in the organized criminal activity that resulted in the death of veteran Houston Police Officer Henry Canales. Andres Nava-Maldonado, 41, and Xiomara Mendez-Rosales, 36, are facing the most serious criminal charge for the June 23rd shooting in which the undercover officer was slain.

A juvenile female was also arrested. Nava-Maldonado told police that he is from Mexico, and Mendez-Rosales claims to be from Honduras. There is evidence that the two are in this country illegally. Investigators said the shooter, Roberto Pedroza Carrillo, 37, fired ten rounds at officers and was shot and killed at the scene.

Assistant District Attorney Julian Ramirez, who responded to the scene, states, "The charges allege that the suspects murdered the officer during the commission of a robbery."

District Attorney Pat Lykos states, "When a police officer is murdered in the line of duty, this is a tragedy for his family and his department, and this horrific act is an attack on society itself. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and coworkers of this brave officer. I wish to assure them that this office will vigorously prosecute the defendants."

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Last Updated: 6/25/2009