Tragedy Strikes as Gunman Kills Five in Texas Home

In a chilling incident described as "execution style," a suspect armed with an AR-15 style rifle has claimed the lives of five individuals in a Texas residence, leaving a community in shock.

The alleged perpetrator, identified as 38-year-old Francisco Oropeza by the San Jacinto County Sheriff's Office, is currently the subject of an intense manhunt. The FBI's Houston Field Office is aiding in the search for Oropeza, who is considered armed and dangerous. An arrest warrant has been issued, accompanied by a $5 million bond.

8-Year-Old Among Five People Killed In Execution-Style Murder Spree In San Jacinto Texas

The horrifying events unfolded on Friday night at approximately 11:31 p.m. local time in Cleveland, about 55 miles north of Houston. Authorities responded to a call reporting harassment, discovering multiple victims with gunshot wounds at the scene. Among the deceased were three females and two males, including an 8-year-old boy. Disturbingly, two female victims were found in a bedroom, shielding two surviving children. Although three minors were located unharmed, they were covered in blood and subsequently transported to a local hospital.

The tragedy reportedly stemmed from a dispute with neighbors who had requested the suspect to cease firing his gun in the front yard, citing a sleeping baby. San Jacinto County Sheriff Greg Capers revealed that the situation escalated swiftly, with victims attempting to shield their children from harm.

All the victims, originally from Honduras, were shot from the neck up, described as "almost execution style." The suspect believed to be intoxicated at the time, was captured on a Ring doorbell entering the residence with a weapon. The ongoing manhunt has revealed abandoned personal items, including a cell phone and clothing. Authorities fear the suspect could be anywhere, emphasizing the urgency of apprehension.

Oropeza is described as a 5-foot-8 Hispanic man with a goatee and short black hair, last seen wearing jeans, a black shirt, and work boots. Investigators have disclosed that he is known to shoot a .223 rifle in his front yard, evident from recovered shell casings.

The victims have been identified as Sonia Argentina Guzman (25), Diana Velazquez Alvarado (21), Julisa Molina Rivera (31), Jose Jonathan Casarez (18), and Daniel Enrique Laso Guzman (8). The suspect's wife is being interviewed, and two additional weapons were found during a search of the residence.

Community members are advised to stay clear of the crime scene, and the investigation continues. The San Jacinto County Democratic Party canceled a scheduled fundraiser, opting for a prayer vigil in solidarity with the grieving community.

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