Trial starting for accused killer of Border Patrol agent

A 34-year-old Mexican national is facing a possible death sentence as testimony begins this week in South Texas at his capital murder trial for the August 2014 slaying of an off-duty Border Patrol agent.

The trial of Gustavo Tijerina-Sandoval is scheduled to get under way Monday in Cameron County.

Tijerina is one of two men charged with the shooting death of Javier Vega, who was killed during an attempted robbery while fishing with his family in Willacy County. Vega’s father also was wounded. Tijerina’s accomplice, also a Mexican national, is being tried separately.

Jury selection began in late March.

A Border Patrol chiefs panel initially rejected Vega’s death as in the line of duty. The decision later was changed after authorities determined Vega pulled his gun trying to protect others.