Officer's Killer Likely Illegal Immigrant

HOUSTON - The man who shot and killed an undercover Houston Police officer is believed to be in the country illegally.

Investigators say Roberto Pedroza Carrillo, 37, fired ten rounds at undercover officers before he was shot and killed by one of them.

Greg Palmore, spokesman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, says ICE is working with HPD to determine the gunman's immigration status.

Officer Henry Canales, 42, is the first HPD officer to die in the line of duty this year. He was a 16-year veteran of the force. He was shot Tuesday night during an undercover sting operation in the parking lot of a drugstore on Hillcroft at Bellaire.

Investigators say the operation involved the sale of stolen TVs.

Four people contacted the undercover officers allegedly wanting to buy some of the stolen goods. Police say something went terribly wrong after money exchanged hands next to a rental truck.

Investigators believe Pedroza Carrillo shot Canales during an attempt to rob him of the money and stolen items.

"At some point there's an exchange of gunfire. The undercover officer drops to the ground. The suspect goes to the back of the truck and falls to the ground," said Victor Senties, HPD spokesman.

Police say Pedroza Carrillo exchanged ten rounds with undercover cops before one of them shot and killed him. The other three suspects left the scene but were later arrested.

Andres Nava Maldonado, 41 of Mexico, and Xiomara Mendez Rosales, 36 of Honduras, are facing capital murder charges. The third is a juvenile.

"The charges allege that the suspects murdered the officer during the commission of a robbery," said Julian Ramirez, Harris County Assistant District Attorney.

Many knew Canales as a dedicated father, husband and policeman. He also had a passion for racing cars.

Canales built his own car to participate in Beat The Heat, a program to educate kids about illegal street racing.

"Racing was his passion, but his number one priority was his family," said Lt. Glenn Ellis, Harris County Pct. 6 Deputy.

Canales leaves behind a wife and two teenage children. His funeral is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Monday at Grace Community Church on the Gulf Freeway.