Father of I-8 gunshot victim charged with murder

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Jose Gallardo was charged today with 10 felonies Wednesday in Wellton Justice Court, accused of murdering his 19-year-old son.

One of the charges includes first-degree murder and another charge for driving under the influence.

Gallardo is now being held on a $2 million bond as it was originally was $500,000.

He's being held in Yuma Justice Court and he was present via webcam.

YCSO responded to a report of a man lying on a roadway shoulder early Monday morning.

Over 10 hours later with assistance from a helicopter, they arrested 36-year-old Gallardo from Mesa, Arizona.

The victim is 19-year-old Mario Nez who was found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead on scene 10 miles from where Gallardo was arrested.

His mother Erica spoke with me over text message, saying Mario loved his family, his dog ace, and music.

“Mario was my firstborn and only son,“ Erica Gallardo said. "He ended every phone call with "bye, I love you" and if you hung up without saying it back he would call you back, say "I said I love you!" and wait for you to say it back."

One of his younger sisters, Ariela, also said in a text “he was the sweetest person alive.”

"He always gave me rides and bought me food when I was hungry," Ariela added. "He was so silly and loving."

The victim's family has put up a GoFundMe fundraiser to help them in this time of need, you can help donate HERE.