A Guatemalan couple was discovered dead in a sugarcane field near Retalhuleu, southwestern Guatemala, just weeks after the husband was deported from the United States.
Nixon Giovanni Pérez Paz, 43, and his wife Glendy Marisol González de la Cruz, 25, were found with their hands tied behind their backs and fatal gunshot wounds—Pérez Paz to the neck and González de la Cruz to the head. Their one-year-old daughter was found alive beside them.
The couple had recently reunited after Pérez Paz’s deportation from Overland, Missouri, where the family had been living. Following his removal by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for unlawful presence, González de la Cruz initially stayed in Missouri with their children before returning to Guatemala to be with her husband.
Authorities recovered shell casings, a shoe, and a motorcycle at the crime scene. The couple’s three other children have since been placed in the care of relatives. An investigation is ongoing, with no suspects or motives yet identified.
Family Reacts to Tragedy
Rolando Pérez Paz, Nixon’s brother who witnessed his arrest in Missouri, expressed profound grief and blamed the deportation for the couple’s deaths. He said, "If immigration hadn't picked up my brother, my sister-in-law would still be alive, and the children wouldn't be going through this sorrow."
Overland Mayor Marty Little stated the city was not informed about the ICE operation, highlighting concerns about unannounced federal actions posing risks to local law enforcement and communities.
Community Response
A candlelight vigil to honor the couple is planned for August 2 at 6 pm outside Overland City Hall.
