Late Friday night, an alleged shooting in a San Jacinto County, Texas neighborhood resulted in the death of five victims, leaving the small community in shock and grief. Francisco Oropeza, a 39-year-old Mexican national, is the prime suspect in this heinous crime.
Witness details of the account report the heartbreaking moment that started the tragedy–when one victim asked Oropeza to stop firing his rifle outside his house, saying a baby was trying to sleep. Then, Oropeza was said to have walked up to the front door and opened fire.
The victims have been identified as Sonia Argentina Guzman, 25; Daniel Enrique Laso, 8; Diana Velazquez Alvarado, 21; Julisa Molina Rivera, 31; and Jose Jonathan Casarez, 18. Three other people were evaluated for injuries but eventually released.
The Belgrade Police Department launched an extensive search and deployed a team of dogs, officers on horses, and a drone to aid the uphill search. The investigation yielded a warrant with a $5 million bond issued on Oropeza, but authorities believe the prime suspect could be anywhere by now.
Adding to the tension of the investigation, the FBI Houston Field Office announced that Oropeza should be considered “armed and dangerous” and poses a “threat to the community.” Sheriff Greg Capers also expressed his fears that the search area could cover 20 square miles.
Heavily invested in their search for Oropeza, Texas Rangers have already seized a shotgun, two rifles, one .223 caliber rifle, and a pistol.
In a press conference, Capers asked his community to bear the burden together, and no adult or child should ever have to witness or live through such a tragedy.