In a horrifying “execution-style” massacre, five people were shot and killed in a Texas residence by a suspect with an AR-15-style weapon.
More than 200 police from several law enforcement organizations are currently looking for the shooter who killed five people, including a 9-year-old child. According to police, the incident took place after neighbors requested him to stop shooting his weapon outside. Officers are currently canvassing the neighborhood door to door to gather information that will aid in catching the murderer. San Jacinto County Sheriff Greg Capers stated during a press conference that officials are even making billboard ads in Spanish to tell everyone of the hunt.
The event occurred on Friday at 11:31 p.m. local time. A complaint of harassment was made in the town of Cleveland, according to representatives of the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office. When police arrived, they discovered a number of victims who had been shot inside the house. Sadly, the youngest was an 8-year-old child. There were two men and three girls among the fatalities. When the police came, 10 persons were alleged to be inside the house, and they all had ages ranging from eight to forty. While the other three victims are adults, one victim is also between the ages of 14 and 16. Authorities told ABC News that two female victims were discovered in the bedroom lying on top of two surviving children. It was also said that three minors were located uninjured but were found covered in blood. They were transported to a local hospital.
Sheriff Caper went on to say that he believes some of the victims were trying to shield their children from the gunman which is why bodies were found on top of children who were unharmed. Police have identified the suspect as 38-year-old Francisco Oropeza. He “has been known to shoot his 223 out in his front yard, which is evident by the shell casings that are laying in the front yard.” They also identified him as a Hispanic male who is armed with an AR-15-style rifle and was believed to be intoxicated, authorities previously noted. They say he is approximately 5-foot-8 and was last seen wearing blue jeans with a black shirt and work boots. He’s also described as having short black hair. – Steve Sijenyi
