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They loved to travel and learn about new cultures.

When the opportunity to relocate to Reynosa came up—Tiffany Hartley told Action 4 News that she and David jumped at the chance to move somewhere new.

Little did she know, three years later, she would be facing a battle she never expected.

Tiffany described September 30th as a beautiful day—when she and David set out to Falcon Lake to ride their jet skis.

But that serene experience quickly turned into a nightmare after alleged pirates started to shoot at them. One of those shots allegedly hit David in the back of the head.

"His jet ski is faster than mine and at the time I couldn't figure out why he wasn't up with me,” said Hartley. “When I look back at it, he put himself between me and the boats. He was doing his job as my and husband protecting me.”

David’s body still has not been found and despite reports of two possible suspects-- Tiffany said she does not care about them she just wants her husband back. 

"If the suspect or somebody can bring the authorities to David then that's exactly what we want,” said Hartley. “In time, those who did it, they will have their day."

This type of violence along the border is nothing new to those living near it. But for someone like Tiffany it was a complete shock.

She said she was unaware of the violence until three years ago when she and David moved to Reynosa.

"We were just as naive as most of the people in the United States if you don't live along the border you don't know and we didn't know," said Hartley.

Hartley is now trying to see the light at the end of this dark tunnel. 

"This situation that we're in is tragic and awful--I want my husband back,” said Hartley. “But now I think its given light to the rest of the United States of what needs to happen down here."