2023-04-29 18:45:00
- Writing
- BBC News World
image source, Archyde.com
Police in Cleveland, Texas, are still searching for the suspect, described as a Mexican man armed with a rifle.
An armed man killed five of his neighbors, including an eight-year-old boy, in Texas, United States, local police reported this Saturday.
The incident occurred on Friday night in the city of Cleveland, located regarding 70 kilometers northeast of Houston. Local authorities confirmed that all the victims were from Honduras.
Also among the dead are two women who were found on top of two children who survived the massacre, according to local sheriff Greg Capers.
“In my opinion, they were actually trying to take care of the babies and keep them alive,” Capers explained to the local station. KTRK.
The official added that all the victims had been shot “above the neck, almost execution style.”
The suspect has been identified as Francisco Oropez and is believed to be Mexican. As of Saturday followingnoon, he was still on the run and authorities warned that he may be armed.
Investigators believe the victims were trying to put a baby to sleep and had asked Oropez, who would have been drinking and shooting with a semi-automatic weapon, to stop firing.
According to Sheriff Capers, the man responded, “I’m going to shoot in my front yard, I do whatever I want in my own house.”
After both parties returned to their homes, the man loaded his pistol, walked over to his neighbors’ house and began shooting, Capers said.
“They are always shooting”
A total of 10 people were on the property at the time.
Although the shooter is believed to have left the county, the sheriff’s office urged residents to stay home.
Verónica Pineda, who lives near the house where the tragedy occurred, said she heard the shots, but that it is a sound she is familiar with.
“It’s normal, in this neighborhood they are always shooting, they are always calling the police and nothing is done.”
“So yesterday I heard the shots, but I thought it was just like any other normal day. I never thought this was happening.”
This new incident comes days following nine people were injured in a shooting at a teen party in West Texas.
Two weeks ago, four young men were shot to death during a birthday party in Alabama.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, firearms incidents are the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in the US.
image source, Getty Images
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