Retired FBI Agent Fatally Shot by School Police in El Paso, Family Cites Mental Health Struggles

A retired FBI agent, Julio Cordero, was tragically shot and killed outside Franklin High School in an incident involving an officer from the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD). Cordero, who had served from 1996 until his retirement in 2019, was experiencing a decline in mental health, which included symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), his family disclosed to local media.

According to El Paso Times, Cordero, aged 56, was a father of four and his brother Marco Cordero detailed the challenges Julio faced following his esteemed career. Nightmares following a traumatic incident in 2014 when a suicidal man jumped in front of Cordero's car left a deep impact on his psyche. Meanwhile, a 1993 car accident that claimed his sister's life began haunting him, unraveling his personal life as he battled with guilt.

Classes at Franklin High were canceled on the day of the shooting and were resumed the following day. The shooting took place outside the Franklin Magnet Center, as stated by KFOX-TV, confirming the identity of the retired agent. The El Paso FBI Bureau expressed sorrow at the loss of their former colleague.

"He was a very respected lawman in the city. He made a big difference. For those not familiar with Poisoned Pawns, read up on it. That was his baby," Marco Cordero said, as per KTSM. In conversation with the same source, Marco highlighted the complexity of his brother's condition, recounting instances where Julio would "freeze" in fear, unable to process information, which may have contributed to a tragic outcome during the officer-involved encounter.

The family is advocating for the EPISD Police to release body cameras and surveillance footage to review the circumstances leading up to Julio Cordero's death and evaluate the use of force deployed. Amid their grief, they remain steadfast in remembering Julio for his law enforcement legacy and as a kind man and father. For anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, the family encourages them to call or text 988 to reach a trained counselor.