(April 17, 2008)

REALITOS--Duval County law enforcement authorities said they're looking for a man believed to be involved in a murder of a family member. The 31-year-old suspect is accused of fatally-shooting his mother in law last night after she intervened in a family argument.

Family members said what started out as a family fight ended up in a tragedy. They said the mother died trying to protect her daughter from her husband.

Investigators said 31-year-old David Salas shot and killed his mother-in-law, Linda Guerra, after he got upset his wife didn't want to go home. They said It happened in front of one of her small grandchildren.

"My aunt took it (the bullet)" said Cristina Guerra, who's the niece of the murder victim. "Of course, a mom will always defend her children and that's what happened."

Linda Guerra's husband was away from the home at the time of the shooting. He was visiting his uncle in the small town of Realitos. He hurried back to the house, but didn't make it in time to say good-bye.

"She's already dead," said Olvidio Guerra, Guerra's husband. "My daughter says c'mon breathe, breathe. No, she's already dead."

Investigators said Salas, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, ran away from the crime scene. They believe the ranch worker is located inside of this wooded area near the home in Realitos. They searched the area and talked to other ranchers in an effort to find him.

"They're angry for the person who did this and I hope they catch him and justice needs to be served because she didn't deserve to go like this," Cristina Guerra said. 

Authorities said they have no motive in this shooting, but Guerra's family wants her to be remembered as a loving and caring mother and grandmother, who recently graduated from Texas A and M Kingsville in 2005 with a degree in education.

"She was always on the go, very positive thinking," said Rosanna Guerra-Ramirez, who is Guerra's daughter. "She was always telling people to think positive."

"I feel bad," Olvidio Guerra said. "You better believe that. She was my wife."

If you know anything about the whereabouts of Salas, you should call the Duval County Sheriff's Office at 361-279-3351.

--Manuel De La Rosa, Area 3 News, mdelarosa@kiiitv.com