A federal grand jury in Tucson has indicted Julio Cesar Aguirre, 42, of Mexico, on five counts related to a fatal attempted carjacking that occurred on June 30. The charges include Attempted Carjacking Resulting in Death and Use or Carrying of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence Causing Death, both of which are eligible for the death penalty or life imprisonment.
According to court documents, Aguirre allegedly shot and killed a male driver with a 9mm handgun while trying to steal the victim’s Toyota Tundra. Tucson Police Department officers found Aguirre hiding in a shed near the scene shortly after the incident. Authorities say Aguirre is a Mexican citizen who was previously removed from the United States in 2013 and was living in the country illegally at the time of his arrest. Officers recovered a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol within his reach during his apprehension. As both an illegal alien and convicted felon, Aguirre was prohibited from possessing firearms.
United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine stated: “The focus in this case should be on the senseless loss of the victim and the pain that loss creates for his family and friends. Our criminal laws exist to protect our community, and the United States has an obligation to enforce those laws. The alleged series of crimes in the indictment, starting with illegal immigration, escalating to prohibited possession of a firearm, and culminating in the death of an innocent individual, is why the United States Attorney’s Office takes this matter so seriously.”
FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke added: “This indictment represents a meaningful step toward accountability and justice for the victim, their loved ones, and all those affected by the tragic events in early July. The allegations in this case involve a senseless act of violence that claimed an innocent life and deeply impacted our community. Carjacking resulting in death is a serious federal offense. The FBI, in partnership with the Tucson Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, remains dedicated to pursuing justice and ensuring public safety.”
If convicted on either firearms charge—Illegal Alien in Possession of a Firearm or Felon in Possession of a Firearm—Aguirre faces up to 15 years imprisonment per count; Illegal Reentry carries up to 10 years.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a national initiative led by federal law enforcement agencies aimed at combating illegal immigration as well as dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts involving Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
The investigation involved Tucson Police Department officers along with agents from FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson office and support from Southern Arizona Violent Crime and Gang Task Force. The United States Attorney’s Office for Arizona is prosecuting.
Authorities remind that indictments are formal accusations only; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
