Javier Vega Jr.

By Steve Neavling
ticklethewire.com

Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega Jr., who was killed while fishing with family in Santa Monica in August 2014, died in the line of duty, a Border Patrol committee has determined.

“It means so much that Harvey finally gets the respect and recognition he deserves,” said Marie Vega, Javier’s mother, calling her son by his family nickname, the San Antonio Express-News reports. “He paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting us.”

Vega was killed while trying to protect his family during an armed robbery attempt that placed his family in danger. His father, Javier Vega Sr., was shot in the back but survived.

Vega Jr. was killed by the robbers.

Two illegal immigrants from Mexico are facing capital capital murder charges in connection with the case. They are Ismael Hernandez-Vallejo, 43, and Gustavo Tijerina-Sandoval, 32, who were arrested hours after the shooting.

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