Tucson Carjacking Killer Faces Death Penalty

TUCSON, Ariz. – Julio Cesar Aguirre, 42, of Mexico, is facing the ultimate penalty after a federal grand jury indicted him on five counts stemming from a brutal carjacking that left one man dead. Aguirre allegedly shot and killed the driver of a Toyota Tundra on the morning of June 30th, escalating a robbery attempt into a cold-blooded murder.

The five-count indictment includes Attempted Carjacking Resulting in Death, Use or Carrying of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence Causing Death, Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien, Reentry of a Removed Alien, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The first two charges alone carry a potential sentence of life in prison or death. Court filings detail the use of a 9mm handgun in the commission of the crime.

Tucson Police Department (TPD) officers quickly apprehended Aguirre, finding him hiding in a nearby shed. The investigation revealed a disturbing pattern: Aguirre, a Mexican citizen, had been previously removed from the United States in 2013 and was residing in the country illegally at the time of the shooting. A search of Aguirre uncovered a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol, placing him in direct violation of federal firearm laws given his status as both an illegal alien and a convicted felon.

“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,” stated United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “Our criminal laws exist to protect our community, and the United States has an obligation to enforce those laws. The alleged series of crimes – illegal immigration, prohibited possession of a firearm, and culminating in the death of an innocent individual – is why we take this matter so seriously.”

FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke echoed those sentiments, stating, “This indictment represents a meaningful step toward accountability… The allegations in this case involve a senseless act of violence that claimed an innocent life and deeply impacted our community.” The case highlights the dangers of unchecked illegal immigration and the flow of firearms into the hands of criminals.

This federal prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime. The investigation was a joint effort between TPD, the FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson office, and the Southern Arizona Violent Crime and Gang Task Force. Aguirre’s case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson. An indictment is merely an accusation, and Aguirre is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. CASE NUMBER: CR-25-3393-TUC-RM-MAA

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