Suspect in San Jacinto Co. shooting that killed 5 neighbors indicted on capital murder charge

Friday, June 30, 2023
SAN JACINTO COUNTY, Texas -- A man accused of killing his five neighbors in Cleveland, Texas after some of them complained that gunfire was keeping a baby awake was indicted Friday on a capital murder charge that could carry the death penalty.

Prosecutors said they do not know yet whether they will seek the death penalty against Francisco Oropeza, 38, who is a Mexican national and had been deported multiple times in the years prior to the April attack outside Houston.
[Ads /]
"I think it's a little too early for us to make that call," San Jacinto County District Attorney Todd Dillon said.

RELATED STORY: San Jacinto Co. mass murder suspect's friend faces additional charge, documents say

Dillon said he expects Oropeza to plead not guilty during a court appearance in August. A lawyer for Oropeza did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

Police say Oropeza stormed into his neighbor's house on April 28 after being asked by them to stop firing his AR-style rifle because a baby was trying to sleep. All five victims were from Honduras, including a 9-year-old boy.

WATCH: What to know about arrests of mass murder suspect and others
[Ads /]
What to know about arrests of mass murder suspect and others


The shooting happened in the rural town of Cleveland, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) north of Houston. Police say Oropeza fled the neighborhood after the shooting, setting off a widening manhunt that came up empty for days despite more than 250 officers, drones and scent-tracking dogs searching and $80,000 in reward money being offered.



Oropeza was eventually arrested near Conroe, roughly 20 miles (32 kilometers) from the home where the shooting took place.

ORIGINAL REPORT: Officials reach cold trail after recovering items believed to be Cleveland gunman's during manhunt
Copyright © 2024 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.