Francisco Oropeza, a 38-year-old Mexican national previously deported from the United States on four occasions, has been handed a life sentence. Oropeza was found guilty of murdering five of his Texas neighbors, among them an 8-year-old boy. The tragic event unfolded after the victims asked Oropeza to stop discharging his AR-style rifle, as a baby was trying to sleep.
Oropeza’s sentencing took place on Wednesday, subsequent to his admission of guilt for the murders of Sonia Argentina Guzmán Taibot, 28, Daniel Enrique Lazo Guzmán, 8, Josué Jonatan Cáceres, 18, Diana Velasquez Alvarado, 21, and Obdulia Molina Rivera, 31. The plea deal was agreed upon to circumvent the death penalty, as per reports.
San Jacinto County District Attorney Todd Dillon declared that Oropeza is not qualified for deportation or any other form of clemency. He will remain under the supervision of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the remainder of his life.
The horrifying incident occurred on April 28, 2023, at a residence in Cleveland, Texas, roughly 45 miles north of Houston. Wilson Garcia, a surviving neighbor, had requested Oropeza to cease firing his rifle in the front yard as his infant was attempting to sleep.
Garcia, who lost his wife, Argentina Guzmán Taibot, and son, Daniel, in the incident, narrated the terrifying event. He stated that they were preparing a meal for their guests when Oropeza started shooting. Before they could alert the police, Oropeza approached their front door and shot Garcia’s wife. He then entered the house and murdered the other four victims.
San Jacinto Sheriff Greg Capers confirmed that the victims were shot in the head. Two female victims were found in a bedroom, shielding two surviving children. Oropeza was captured days later after an extensive manhunt.