The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Hector Vicente Paguada Paguada, who is accused of killing his girlfriend and her mother in Irving in January 2024.
Federal investigators believe Paguada fled to Honduras following the killings and remains at large.
The FBI Dallas Field Office and Irving Police Department announced the reward on August 11, asking anyone with information about Paguada’s whereabouts to come forward.
“This is a violent fugitive,” FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock said, per Fox 4, KDFW. “We recognize that concern, but that shouldn’t outweigh the need for us to bring justice for these victims and for the community.”
Irving Double Murder
According to investigators, Paguada allegedly shot and killed 23-year-old Nayeli Medina and her mother, 55-year-old Juana Rodriguez, on January 19, 2024, at an apartment complex in the 2000 block of West Irving Boulevard.
Medina was in a relationship with Paguada, according to police.
The victims’ deaths left Medina’s 5-year-old son without his mother and grandmother. Investigators say the child witnessed the killings.
A Texas arrest warrant was issued for Paguada on January 24, 2024, charging him with capital murder. A federal arrest warrant was later issued after he was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
The FBI says Paguada fled the United States after the murders with the assistance of others and has used several aliases, including Hector Antonio Matute, Hector Paguada Pagoada, Alejandro De Jesus Muniz Cruz, and Hector Martinez.
Four People Accused of Helping Him Escape
Four people have already been charged in connection with efforts to help Paguada evade authorities and destroy evidence.
Investigators allege Nicolle Martinez Tome and Paguada’s sister, Yudi Mabel Paguada Ruiz, helped dispose of the SUV Paguada allegedly used to flee the murder scene. Authorities also allege one of the women deleted digital evidence.
According to police documents, the women were allegedly paid $100 to get rid of the vehicle.
Yeferi Josue Aguilera Hernandez was charged with hindering apprehension of a known felon. Investigators allege he helped transport Paguada toward the Houston area just hours after the murders.
Escarleth Mejia was also accused of helping coordinate Paguada’s escape from North Texas to Houston.
Irving Police Chief Derek Miller emphasized that helping an accused killer evade authorities can carry serious consequences.
“Helping someone evade justice that has taken two lives is not a small act,” Miller said, per Fox 4. “It is a serious and deliberate choice to help a wanted criminal escape accountability.”
FBI Seeks Information
Federal authorities now believe Paguada may be in Honduras, although the FBI did not provide a specific location. The agency is asking anyone who knows where he is or has information that could help investigators locate him to report it.
“We urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward,” Miller said. “One tip could make all the difference in bringing justice to these families.
“The families of these victims have waited more than two years for justice, and our commitment to them has never wavered,” Miller added. “We will not stop pursuing Hector Paguada Paguada until he is found and held accountable.”
The $50,000 reward is available for information leading to Paguada’s arrest and conviction.
Tips can be submitted anonymously through the FBI’s tip system at tips.fbi.gov or by contacting the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
