Texas law enforcement officials on Tuesday arrested Francisco Oropesa, 38, the man they believe shot and killed five people in a neighborhood dispute outside the town of Cleveland. The suspect, an immigrant from Mexico who had been deported four times, was apprehended just a few miles from the site of shooting. The arrest took place in a neighboring county after a multiday manhunt.
The tragic massacre unfolded Friday night after neighbors asked Oropesa to stop shooting his AR-15 in his yard due to their newborn trying to sleep. In response, Oropesa allegedly stormed the neighbors' home and executed five out of ten people inside - including a young boy.
Two women were found dead in a bedroom while lying on top of two surviving children as an attempt to protect them during this horrific incident.
The FBI is expected to give a press conference at 9:30 p.m. ET regarding further details about the case and information about Francisco Oropesa's background.
"This has been an extremely difficult time for our community," said Police Chief Tom Johnson during an interview earlier today. "Our hearts go out to all those affected by this senseless tragedy."
Cleveland Mayor Susan Smith also expressed her condolences for those affected by stating that "our thoughts are with every family member who lost loved ones or has someone injured." She also praised local law enforcement agencies and first responders for their swift actions throughout this entire ordeal.
One survivor, Sarah Martinez (a neighbor), shared her harrowing experience with reporters at the scene: "We heard gunfire coming from next door; then it got closer until he [Oropesa] entered our house... I hid under my bed praying that he wouldn't find me."
As families mourn their loss and try recovering from such devastation, local authorities promise thorough investigations into what led up to these events along with any potential motive behind them.
"We will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served for these innocent victims," said District Attorney Jessica Hernandez. "This type of violence has no place in our community, and we will work tirelessly to guarantee this kind of tragedy does not happen again."
While the suspect remains in custody awaiting trial, the town of Cleveland and its residents now face a long road toward healing after suffering from such an unimaginable loss.