Last-minute Christmas shopping took a terrifying turn at Oshman’s Sporting Goods in Irving, Texas on December 24, 2013. Two ADT security guards arrived at the store shortly before closing time, reporting a series of robberies at Oshman’s stores. However, in a shocking turn of events, the guards themselves turned out to be the robbers.
The former store manager, Wes Ferris, recalled the moment when one of the guards pointed a revolver at his chest and announced, “This is a robbery.” The store was soon filled with four other armed men. Misty Simpson, who had come to pick up her fiancé, witnessed the unfolding events from the parking lot and immediately called her friend for help.
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The criminals rounded up the employees and forced them into a break room at the back of the store. They emptied cash registers, opened the safe, and stole firearms, ammo, and the in-store security tape. They also demanded the keys to Ferris’ car. Simpson’s friend arrived and called 911, providing limited details about the ongoing robbery.
Officer Aubrey Hawkins, who was on duty that night, heard the report while on a dinner break with his wife and son at a nearby restaurant. He immediately rushed to the scene, unknowingly walking into a dangerous situation. The robbers instructed the employees not to move, but outside, Simpson saw a police car arrive. Gunshots followed, and Ferris called 911 to provide a detailed account of the events.
Officer Hawkins was found unconscious and fatally shot 11 times. It was later discovered that the robbers had stolen his gun. The investigation revealed that the robbers were part of the “Texas 7,” a group of convicts who had escaped from a maximum-security prison 11 days before the robbery. They were led by George Rivas, who was serving 18 life sentences.
Despite the robbers’ initial success, their reign of terror came to an end when a tip led police to an RV park in Teller County, Colorado. SWAT teams arrested Rivas, Michael Rodriguez, and Joseph Garcia at a gas station near the camp. Officer Hawkins’ gun was found in their possession. The remaining escapees were also captured, and all six were charged with murder and sentenced to death.
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The case of the “Texas 7” remains a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the lengths criminals will go to avoid capture. The full story will be explored in the upcoming episode of Homicide for the Holidays, airing on December 8 on Oxygen.
