Homicide

Sheriff's official confirms death of gunman who wounded 2 South Texas police officers

Associated Press
Published | Updated

A Hidalgo County Sheriff points a rifle from the top of an armored vehicle Tuesday during a standoff with a capitol murder suspect in La Joya, Texas on Tuesday, July 22, 2014. Officials said the suspect was later presumed dead after a final assault on the house. (AP Photo/The Monitor, Nathan Lambrecht) MAGS OUT; TV OUT (The Associated Press)

Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra talks to the media after a standoff with a capitol murder suspect in La Joya, Texas on Tuesday, July 22, 2014. Officials said the suspect was later presumed dead after a final assault on the house. (AP Photo/The Monitor, Gabe Hernandez) MAGS OUT; TV OUT (The Associated Press)

South Texas authorities say a man suspected of shooting two police officers was found dead outside a home following an exchange of gunfire.

Hidalgo County sheriff's Commander Joel Rivera said Wednesday that officers found the body of Joaquin Cibrian after determining it was safe to approach the home in the Rio Grande Valley town of La Joya.

In the aftermath of the hours-long standoff Tuesday evening, authorities said only that the gunman was "presumed dead." Officers had raided the home to take Cibrian into custody on a capital murder charge alleging he fatally shot a 19-year-old Mexican national.

Officers eventually rammed the front door, inserted tear gas and exchanged fire with the 29-year-old Cibrian.

Authorities said two Edinburg officers were shot but are expected to recover.