Police identified the victim as 45-year-old Rocky Modica and said 64-year-old Joel Garza Garza faces a murder charge.
BAYTOWN, TX — A 64-year-old Baytown man has been charged with murder after another man was shot and killed during an argument Monday on South Pruett Street, according to an update from the Baytown Police Department.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office accepted a murder charge Tuesday against Joel Garza Garza in connection with the death of 45-year-old Rocky Modica, police said. Both men were from Baytown. The charge marks the latest development in an investigation that began after officers responded to the 1500 block of South Pruett Street on Oct. 26.
Police said preliminary information indicates Garza and Modica knew each other and became involved in an argument. During the altercation, one of the men allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot the other. Police initially announced that a suspect had been taken into custody but did not identify either man while the investigation was underway.
The shooting happened on South Pruett Street near West Nazro and West Main streets. Police closed part of South Pruett during the initial investigation and advised drivers to avoid the area while officers worked at the scene.
Authorities have not publicly detailed what led to the argument or released additional information about the circumstances that preceded the shooting. Police also have not announced additional arrests in connection with the homicide.
The victim was initially not identified as authorities worked to notify his family. Police identified him as Modica in their Tuesday update, when they also announced the murder charge against Garza.
The case remains under investigation by the Baytown Police Department. Police described their account of the confrontation as preliminary, and the criminal charge against Garza is an allegation. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The department had not announced additional case developments or released further details about the dispute as of Tuesday. The investigation remains active following the district attorney’s acceptance of the murder charge.
Author note: Last updated October 27, 2026.