Overland Community Holds Vigil for Murdered Former Residents Found in Guatemala
A vigil was held in Overland, Missouri, to honor Nixon Perez Paz and Glendy Gonzalez de la Cruz, former residents who were found murdered in Guatemala after they had self-deported to reunite. The couple was discovered with their infant daughter…
St. Louis, MO, August 2, 2026 —
Overland, Missouri – A somber vigil took place in Overland to commemorate the lives of Nixon Perez Paz and Glendy Gonzalez de la Cruz, former residents who were tragically found murdered in Guatemala. The couple, who had self-deported to their home country in an effort to reunite, were discovered deceased. Authorities found their infant daughter alive near the scene.
The community gathering in Overland served as a poignant moment to reflect on the lives lost and to voice growing concerns surrounding safety and the complexities of immigration policies. Residents and community leaders gathered to share their grief and support for the families affected by this tragedy.
During the vigil, Overland Mayor Michael J. “Mike” Newcomer addressed the community’s anxieties. He affirmed that the city of Overland will not enter into a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This type of agreement typically allows local law enforcement to assist federal immigration agents in enforcing immigration laws.
The deaths of Perez Paz and Gonzalez de la Cruz have brought to the forefront the dangerous circumstances that some individuals face when attempting to navigate reunification and migration. The discovery of their infant daughter alive nearby added another layer of tragedy to the situation.
Further details regarding the circumstances of their deaths in Guatemala and the investigation into the crime have not been provided. The name of the contractor or the specifics of any permits related to their immigration status were not available.
Story summarized from the original created by Raya Torres on www.firstalert4.com, see more information here.
