A mistrial has been declared in the case of a Randall County man accused of plotting a mass shooting at two Amarillo schools after jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict following days of deliberation.
Noel Asayiah Garcia faces two counts of attempted capital murder of multiple persons stemming from allegations tied to events on Sept. 6, 2022. Prosecutors alleged Garcia drove near Oakdale Elementary School and Caprock High School while armed with an assault-style rifle and multiple loaded magazines, intending to kill two or more people.
A Randall County grand jury returned the indictment on May 6. Under Texas law, attempted capital murder charges can apply when prosecutors believe a person intended to commit a capital offense and took substantial steps toward carrying it out, even if the act was never completed.
The trial began May 18 in the 251st District Court with Ana Estevez presiding. Garcia entered not guilty pleas to both charges.
After hearing testimony from prosecutors and defense attorneys over several days, jurors began deliberations on May 21. During deliberations, the jury informed the court it could not reach a unanimous decision. Judge Estevez then issued an Allen charge, a legal instruction encouraging jurors in the minority to reconsider their positions while maintaining their individual judgment and conscience.
Despite the additional instruction, jurors remained deadlocked. Both the prosecution and defense ultimately requested a mistrial, which the judge granted.
Court records indicate questions surrounding Garcia’s competency have remained a significant issue throughout the case. A new trial is tentatively scheduled for July.
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