Mexican National Murders 5 In Texas, Manhunt Underway: Reports

Mexican National on the Run After Allegedly Murdering Five Neighbors in Texas

A peaceful neighborhood in Cleveland, Texas, turned into a nightmare when a Mexican national, Francisco Oropeza, allegedly shot and killed five of his neighbors. The victims had asked him to stop shooting his gun as they had a baby trying to sleep.

According to officials, Oropeza had been firing a rifle in his yard before the incident unfolded. Police have charged him with five counts of murder and are actively searching for him. They believe that they have him pinned in a wooded area about a mile away from the crime scene.

Neighbors Shocked by the Tragedy

Neighbor Vianey Balderas told The Washington Post that she didn’t think anything bad was happening when she heard gunshots because it was commonplace. “When I heard those gunshots, I didn’t think anything of it because in this neighborhood everyone has guns. Every weekend you hear gunshots,” she said. “People shoot in their backyards, after they drink alcohol, men take out guns at house parties and shoot the ground.”

The Horrific Scene

Oropeza allegedly shot each of the five victims in the head. Some of the victims’ bodies shielded young children who survived and were transported to hospitals. “It’s horrific,” said San Jacinto County Sheriff Greg Capers. “No one should ever have to look at this scene, the blood, the trauma that went on in that house.”

Manhunt Underway

Officers were initially called to the scene to respond to a complaint about “harassment” in Cleveland, Texas, and while en route, they received numerous calls about an active shooter. Fox News reported that witnesses said that Oropeza had been drinking alcohol when he went on the rampage. Police are currently using drones to search for him.

TX: Manhunt underway for 38-year-old Francisco Oropeza who is a Mexican national according to San Jacinto County Sheriff Greg Capers— Who tells @NewsNation Oropeza shot and killed 5 people in Cleveland, Texas including an 8-year-old boy.

Officers are currently using drones and… https://t.co/SZGvzRhiNl pic.twitter.com/jBWHW1C2hx

— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) April 29, 2023