Irene Garza was a 25 year old beauty queen and a second grade school teacher at Thigpen Elementary in McAllen. On April 16, 1960, Irene's last known whereabouts were at Sacred Heart Catholic Church rectory in McAllen. That evening, Irene was reported missing by her parents when she did not come home after church. Irene's vehicle was located near the church and her deceased body was recovered five days later in a canal on 2nd Street (Colonel Rowe Street) in McAllen.

Jonathan Feit, a priest, was identified as a suspect early in the investigation. In February 2016 he was arrested and charged with the murder. On December 7, 2017, Feit was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.