In a horrifying turn of events in Texas, five people have been shot dead, including an 8-year-old boy, in what is being called an ‘execution-style’ shooting (ABC News). The suspect, identified as Francisco Oropeza, remains on the loose and is armed with an AR-15 style rifle, according to police (NBC News). The shooting occurred in a home in southeast Texas early Saturday morning (NPR).
The incident began when one of the victims asked Oropeza to stop shooting rounds in his yard (San Jacinto County Sheriff, CNN). The suspect responded by opening fire on his neighbors, killing five of them, including the child (CNN).
The search for the suspect has intensified, with the FBI now assisting in the manhunt (11 hours ago, CNN). San Jacinto County Sheriff has described the situation as “he could be anywhere now” (Reuters). Oropeza, a Mexican national, is believed to be 38 years old (MSNBC News).
Investigators and law enforcement authorities are urging the public to be cautious and report any information related to the suspect’s whereabouts (KXAN). The tragic event underscores the continuing issue of gun violence in the United States and has yet again sparked debate on the need for stricter gun control measures (New York Magazine).
