Neighbors asked him to stop firing his rifle because their baby was trying to sleep. He refused — and, according to authorities, went on to kill five people next door.
The Shooting
Around 11:30 p.m. on a Friday in San Jacinto County, Texas, Francisco Oropeza was reportedly firing an AR-15 outside his residence on Walters Road in Cleveland, Texas. According to Sheriff Greg Capers, when neighbors asked him to stop because of a sleeping infant in their home, Oropeza refused and, while under the influence of alcohol, allegedly opened fire on the neighboring household, killing five people before fleeing the scene.
The Victims
Those killed were identified as Sonia Argentina Guzman, 25; Diana Velazquez Alvarado, 21; Julisa Molina Rivera, 31; Jose Jonathan Casarez, 18; and 8-year-old Daniel Enrique Laso-Guzman.
Survivors
Ten people were inside the home at the time of the shooting. In addition to the five who died, three children were found injured and taken to the hospital for treatment; two other occupants were evaluated at the scene and released.
The Manhunt
Investigators identified Oropeza using Ring doorbell footage that captured him holding the weapon. Following the shooting, law enforcement — including the FBI, which took over the investigation — conducted an extensive search, recovering a cell phone and clothing believed to belong to him but were initially unable to locate him. A judge issued an arrest warrant with a $5 million bond.
Community Response
The shooting deeply affected the local community, which held a prayer vigil for the victims, who were members of a family originally from Honduras. Community members and local officials publicly renewed calls for stricter firearm regulation in the aftermath.
Editorial Note on Case Status
This entry reflects the case during the active manhunt. Please confirm and add the outcome of the search for Oropeza and any resulting arrest, charges, or trial before publishing.
FAQ
Was Francisco Oropeza captured?
This should be verified before publishing — the available information here only covers the period of the active manhunt.
How many people were killed?
Five people, including an 8-year-old child.
What prompted the shooting, according to authorities?
Neighbors had asked Oropeza to stop firing his rifle because of a sleeping infant nearby.