A Texas man who shot and killed five people after a neighbor complained about his late-night gunfire has pleaded guilty to capital murder and will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Guilty Plea to Avoid Death Penalty
Francisco Oropeza, a Mexican national, entered his guilty plea on Wednesday as part of a deal with prosecutors to avoid the death penalty, San Jacinto County District Attorney Todd Dillon confirmed. The plea agreement came after extensive discussions with the victims’ families.
“He is not eligible for deportation. He is not eligible for anything,” Dillon stated. “He will stay in the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice until he breathes his last breath.”
A Night of Violence in a Rural Texas Town
The fatal shooting took place on April 28, 2023, in Cleveland, Texas, a rural town about 45 miles north of Houston. Authorities say Oropeza became enraged after his neighbor asked him to stop firing his gun late at night because it was disturbing a baby.
Instead of complying, Oropeza stormed into his neighbor’s home and opened fire, killing five people, including a 9-year-old boy. The baby, however, was unharmed. All the victims were Honduran nationals.
A History of Deportations
According to U.S. immigration officials, Oropeza had been deported four times between 2009 and 2016. Despite this history, he remained in the U.S. and ultimately carried out the attack that led to his conviction.
A Massive Manhunt and Arrest
After the shooting, Oropeza fled the neighborhood, sparking an intense manhunt. He was eventually arrested near Conroe, Texas, roughly 20 miles from the crime scene.
At his court hearing on Wednesday, Oropeza listened to emotional testimony from the victims’ grieving family members before formally entering his plea.
Justice Served for Victims’ Families
The plea deal ensures that Oropeza will never be released from prison. His attorney, Anthony Osso Sr., did not immediately respond to requests for comment but had previously stated that tensions between Oropeza and his neighbors had been escalating for some time.
With the sentencing finalized, officials emphasized that justice had been served for the victims and their loved ones, bringing an end to a case that shook the small Texas community.
