Jose Elias Mata

Jose Elias Mata’s 2008 Murder Outside Amarillo Bar Remains Unsolved

Jose Elias Mata was shot and killed during a large confrontation outside an Amarillo bar and grill on May 30, 2008. Although numerous people witnessed portions of the disturbance, no one has been charged with the 30-year-old father’s murder.

At approximately 4:05 a.m., Amarillo police responded to reports of a large fight and gunfire at Cafe—formerly identified as El Cafe—at 5200 E. Amarillo Boulevard. Officers arrived to find a chaotic scene and a large crowd gathered around Mata, who was lying unresponsive on the ground. Efforts to save him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A witness told investigators that a confrontation began inside the business before spilling outside. The witness reportedly saw Mata run out the rear of the building and then return through the front shortly before shots were fired.

Police interviewed several people following the shooting, but investigators did not obtain enough evidence to identify and charge the killer. One witness recalled hearing someone mention the name “Michael” during the confrontation, leading police to believe that a person with that name might have information or some connection to what happened. Authorities have not publicly identified that individual as a suspect.^[1]

Mata left behind a wife and four children. In a 2010 interview, his wife, Jessica Garcia, said his death forced her to go from being a stay-at-home mother to the family’s sole provider. Their children underwent therapy while struggling with the loss and the absence of answers.^[2]

Mata’s daughter, Mya, was seven when her father was killed. Three years later, she described the pain as overwhelming and said she wanted someone to explain why he had been taken from his family. His son, Ariyon Cera, also pleaded for witnesses to help the family learn what happened.^[3]

Amarillo police renewed their appeal in July 2025, asking anyone who attended the bar, witnessed the fight or heard discussions about the shooting to come forward. The case remains unsolved.

Anyone with information may contact the Amarillo Police Department Cold Case Unit at 806-378-6468 or coldcaseunit@amarillo.gov. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Amarillo Crime Stoppers at 806-374-4400, through its website or with the P3 Tips app.