Lubbock Man Sentenced for Infant Son’s Death and SWAT Standoff

A man in Lubbock has recently received two 45-year prison sentences after he pleaded guilty for the death of his two-month-old son. He also engaged in a SWAT standoff where he fired multiple shots at police.

Who is David Garcia in Lubbock?

40-year-old David Eric Garcia has been held at the Lubbock County Detention Center since April 23 of 2023 after he was suspected to be involved in the death of his infant son from physical trauma. Before he was arrested, SWAT showed up to his house where he refused to leave and even shot at two officers from inside.

According to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, it all started on April 20, 2023, when Lubbock PD responded to a call from Covenant Medical Center about a dead infant brought to the hospital.

Garcia's girlfriend at the time informed police that Garcia handed over the boy's lifeless body to the hospital staff before leaving without any explanation as to what happened. Witnesses at Garcia's home told investigators that he accidently rolled on top of his son while sleeping on the couch.

Garcia also appeared to be nervous before heading to the hospital at his girlfriend's house. He reportedly grabbed a gun and told her, "they're after me. I need to be ready for them," Lubbock Avalanche says.

Post-mortem examinations showed that the boy had fractures on his ribs, wrist and ankle. He also had brain swelling and bleeding around the brain. This led officials to believe that Garcia had physically abused his son to the point of killing him.

SWAT Standoff in Lubbock

Lubbock Avalanche noted that, on April 21, Garcia texted his girlfriend about how he didn't mean any of it.

Sorry about the baby. The baby's death was an accident and (I) didn't mean to do it.

Two days later, Lubbock SWAT arrived to his home after he refused to leave the house and threatened he would shoot himself. Garcia reportedly fired two shots at a pair of officers during the standoff as well.

After eight hours, Garcia eventually was detained.

David Garcia recently pleaded guilty to aggravated assault against a public servant and aggravated assault on a family member causing serious bodily injury with a weapon.

Each offense is a first-degree felony in Texas, and Garcia was given a 45-year prison sentence for each which he will serve concurrently.