‘He was acting in self defense,’ says murder suspect’s sister

The sister of the suspect charged in the murder of 42-year-old Edward Roland Jr. said he was acting in self-defense.

50-year-old John Nate Gardea Sr. is facing three felonies including first-degree murder with premeditation, aggravated assault using a handgun, and misconduct involving weapons noting specifically a 9 mm handgun.

Gardea’s sister spoke to News 11 just minutes after Tuesday’s hearing saying her brother gave the victim several car rides.

In court, state attorney Claudia Gonzalez said Gardea kicked the victim’s door down and shot him.

This happened early Friday morning at the Twin Palms Apartments on 9th Street and 1st Avenue.

The state attorney said Gardea is a danger to the community.

Gardea’s sister said those are false accusations.

“I just talked to the property manager of where the accident, where it occurred and she told us that it is a lie that the door was never kicked in. My brother did not kick in the door and shoot the gentleman. That gentleman rushed my brother and my brother in self-defense shot him to protect himself,” said Anna Gardea.

The victims family released a statement saying:

“Edward Rowland Junior was my brother and best friend in all the world. He was not a perfect person by all means, but he did not deserve this outcome. The man that did this to him did not only shoot and stab him this time but stabbed him once before a week prior to this incident.”

Gardea’s remains in custody on a one million dollar bond. He’s due back in court June 12th.