Family remains hopeful even as 2010 murder suspect remains on the lam

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A family paused to remember a murdered loved one Thursday, even as her suspected killer is on the run.

Family members gathered at the Houston Training Schools in southeast Houston where Maria Escamilla was a teacher. The Harris County District Attorney's Office believes Jose Guerrero murdered Escamilla in January 2010.

Guerrero was out on a $100,000 bond, and made all his court appearances until it came time for trial. That's when authorities say he took off.

"We're trying to find him. I'll be more relieved when he's in prison and he pays for his crime," Escamilla's son, Jonthan Escamilla, said.

Guerrero's trial was set for December.

Anyone with information on where he may be is asked to call authorities.