Sunday marks the second full day of the search for a man accused of murdering five people, including a child, in a San Jacinto County home. Francisco Oropesa, 38, is a fugitive and considered to be armed and extremely dangerous.
Oropesa is wanted for the murders that occurred in a neighboring home on Walters Road in Cleveland. Investigators say he became angry and committed the violent crime after being asked by a neighbor to stop firing a weapon in his yard because they had a baby who was trying to sleep.
Oropesa was last seen on camera approaching the house with an assault rifle, investigators report.
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, 9.
This is a developing search and investigation. KPRC 2 will provide the latest updates below. Any news conferences that occur today will be streamed in a video player that will appear at the top of this page.
April 30, 5:02 p.m.
The San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office said they continue to investigate the crime and ask people to please limit traffic into the area as law enforcement continues to investigate.
April 30, 3:10 p.m.
An $80,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of Francisco Oropesa.
At a news conference, it was announced the Governor of Texas has offered a $50,000 reward for information. San Jacinto County Sheriff Greg Capers said multiple county Crime Stoppers have pitched in to increase that reward to $55,000. In addition, the FBI is offering $25,000 bringing the total to $80,000.
“We do not know where he is, we do not have any tips as to where he may be,” said Special Agent in Charge of FBI Houston James Smith. “We have zero leads.”
Anyone with any information is urged to call 1-800-FBI-TIPS.
April 30, 2:15 p.m.
The FBI announced there will be a news conference at 3 p.m. regarding the shooting. You can watch the conference live in the video player at the top of this article when it is ready.
April 30, 1:28 p.m.
The FBI shared new pictures of Oropesa and said they will now refer to him as Oropesa “to better reflect his identity in law enforcement systems.” Officials said the man does have a specific tattoo on his left forearm.
Here are the newest images of Francisco Oropesa and a prominent tattoo on his left forearm.
— FBI Houston (@FBIHouston) April 30, 2023
Going forward, the subject's last name will be spelled "Oropesa" to better reflect his identity in law enforcement systems. This remains a fluid investigation. #ClevelandTXShooting pic.twitter.com/ZWUu0FqoMF
April 30, 12:35 p.m.
Houston FBI officials said they shared an incorrect imaged of Francisco Oropesa with a blue backdrop on Sunday. They removed the photo from the FBI social media accounts. Authorities are still searching for the fugitive. KPRC has removed this photo from the website as well.
⚠️An incorrect image of Francisco Oropeza with a blue backdrop was mistakenly disseminated earlier today. That image has since been removed from FBI social media accounts. Please do not use that photo.
— FBI Houston (@FBIHouston) April 30, 2023
Law enforcement agencies continue the search for Oropeza. #HouNews
April 30, 9:24 a.m.
An FBI spokesperson tells KPRC 2 reporter Corley Peel that they are operating a fugitive investigation, indicating they are not currently searching a specific location for Oropesa. Neighbors in San Jacinto County may be visited by members of Texas DPS and other agencies, as investigators work to gather information about the murders and the possible location of Oropesa.
April 30, 9 a.m.
FBI Houston tweets a warning to the public to not approach Oropesa, because he is armed and dangerous. The multi-agency search for him continues. Tips regarding his whereabouts should be called into the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office at 936-653-4367.
The multi-agency search for suspect Francisco Oropeza continues this morning. Reminder, if you see him DO NOT approach him. He is armed and dangerous. If you have a tip about his whereabouts call the San Jacinto County Sheriff's Office at 936-653-4367. #ClevelandTXshooting pic.twitter.com/GcQT6jzYmn
— FBI Houston (@FBIHouston) April 30, 2023
DAY ONE COVERAGE OF SAN JACINTO COUNTY MURDERS: Authorities release names of 5 killed in shooting at San Jacinto County home; suspect still at large (click2houston.com)