Murder suspect Giovanni Ornelas' girlfriend arrested, accused of helping him evade Houston police

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Two people are in jail in connection with the murder of Albert Castillo Jr., and a third person was arrested for allegedly helping one of those suspects go on the run and evade police.

Only ABC13 spoke to the family of the murder victim after a fugitive on the run for the crime was re-arrested.

The Houston Police Department said in August 2021, Airman Albert Castillo Jr. was killed in a drive-by shooting, and his father, Albert Castillo Sr., was injured.

Prosecutors allege that Giovanni Ornelas had a beef with Castillo's father, Albert Sr., and drove by the elder Castillo's home when family members were outside, opening fire.

Law enforcement arrested Giovanni Ornelas, who was given a bond, posted it, and put it under GPS surveillance with an ankle monitor. But in September 2024, officials say he cut the monitor off and fled just days before his scheduled trial.

On Tuesday, ABC13 obtained exclusive video of U.S. Marshals and DPS agents raiding an apartment on Polk Street on Houston's east side that led to Ornelas' re-arrest along with another, about a mile from where the shooting happened.

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Sources tell ABC13 that Ornelas was with his girlfriend at her mother's home.

Ornelas' girlfriend, 34-year-old Anastasia Hernandez, was also arrested. The two share a child, and she is accused of helping him evade law enforcement.

A third person, 30-year-old Jose Cabrera, is also charged with the murder, but he was already being held in connection with another crime.

ABC13 spoke to the victim's sister, who says she's overwhelmed to know those accused are back behind bars.

"I'm happy and sad," Lilly Castillo, Albert Castillo Jr.'s sister, said. "I mean, nothing's going to bring my brother back, but at least the peace, my brother's able to rest in peace."

Lilly Castillo broke down in tears of joy when we told her what happened. She showed ABC13 the unrepaired bullet holes still dotting her father's home. They serve as a reminder to the Castillo family that they have yet to find justice. Her dad, Albert Sr., was also hurt during the shooting.

For more news updates, follow Lileana Pearson on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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