TDCJ confirms cartel killer Gonzalo Lopez is dead, another child found murdered

UPDATE (11:46 p.m.) – TDCJ officials now say that officers found four minors and one adult dead earlier today inside the home in Leon County.

Officials with the agency said originally that authorities found two adults and three children killed that they believed to be tied to Gonzalo Lopez.

Correction: The TDCJ received updated information regarding the victims. The victims included one adult and four minors. Law enforcement remains on scene and continues to process incident information. https://t.co/OkYxXXbdZ4

— TDCJ (@TDCJ) June 3, 2022

They have yet to release any further information but said the investigation at the home off of SH-7 is ongoing.

UPDATE (11:29 p.m.) – The Texas Department of Criminal Justice says cartel killer Gonzalo Lopez is dead.

Officials said that the vehicle matching one that Lopez fled in from Leon County was spotted by deputies with the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office.

 

They said deputies used a device to deflate the vehicles tires outside Jourdanton, Texas, and Lopez came out the truck shooting an AR-15 at officers.

Officers there engaged in gunfire with Lopez, killing him, according to Jason Clarke with TDCJ.

Clarke said Lopez had a handgun in the vehicle along with the assault rifle.

UPDATE (10:48 p.m.) – Convicted cartel killer Gonzalo Lopez is in custody tonight after fleeing from custody over three weeks ago, police said.

McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara told 25 News law enforcement in Atascosa County caught the fugitive murderer earlier Thursday night.

Authorities said Lopez was traveling in the Chevrolet Silverado belonging to a family that they believe he may have killed in Leon County.

No word yet on Lopez’s intended destination.

This comes as authorities made a gruesome discovery inside a home near Centerville, where the bodies of two adults and three children were found.

 

Missing Leon County prison bus escapee Gonzalo Lopez is the “prime suspect” in the murder of two adults and three children who were found in a residence within the “search perimeter,” a Texas Department of Criminal Justice official said late Thursday.

Those killed were from Houston, said Jason Clark, chief of staff, TDCJ.

Missing Leon County prison bus escapee Gonzalo Lopez may be responsible for “five murders,” and Texas Rangers are assisting the Leon County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation.

That’s according to a social media post from the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Southeast Region.

WHAT WE KNOW, per authorities:

*escaped murderer Gonzalo Lopez might be responsible for 5 new murders near Centerville
*concerned relative called authorities after not hearing from household
*Lopez might be driving ’99 white Chevy pickup

More after #NBAFinals on @25NewsKXXV pic.twitter.com/L0sWguY5re

— Todd Unger (@ToddNEWS) June 3, 2022

Just before 9 p.m., the Texas Department of Criminal Justice reported law enforcement officers discovered the bodies of two adults and three children in a residence within the “search perimeter.”

While investigating leads inside the search perimeter, law enforcement agencies received a call from an individual who became concerned after not hearing from an elderly relative. Law enforcement officers responded to the residence & discovered the bodies of 2 adults & 3 children pic.twitter.com/fv8omiorZ4

— TDCJ (@TDCJ) June 3, 2022

A news conference is scheduled for “later tonight” in Centerville. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice and Texas Department of Public Safety are expected to join the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.

“It is believed that escaped inmate, Gonzalo Lopez, may be driving the vehicle and may be armed,” the TDCJ post said.

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