Bryson Bryce Duncan Collins, an 11-year-old boy from Centerville, Texas, tragically lost his life on June 2, 2022. Bryson, along with his grandfather Mark Collins, 66, and his cousins Waylon Collins, 18, Carson Collins, 16, and Hudson Collins, 11, were victims of a brutal attack by Gonzalo Lopez, a fugitive murderer. Lopez, who had escaped from a prison transport bus, was on the run for three weeks before committing this heinous crime.
The Collins family was at their ranch near Centerville when Lopez attacked them, resulting in their deaths from gunshots, sharp force injuries, and stab wounds.
The incident occurred when authorities were conducting a welfare check at the Collins' home and discovered the bodies. Lopez, who had no connection to the family, had stolen an AR-15-style rifle and a pistol from their ranch, as well as a truck, which he used to flee the scene. He was later killed in a shootout with police in Atascosa County, south of San Antonio.
The Collins family was well-known and loved in their community. Bryson, a young boy with a bright future, was described as a loving brother, son, and friend. He attended Northpointe Intermediate School in Tomball ISD and was a member of Magnolia's Cowboy Church. His cousins, Waylon, Carson, and Hudson, were also students in the Tomball Independent School District. The loss of these young lives has left a profound impact on their family, friends, and community.
The investigation into the deaths of Bryson and his family members revealed that Lopez had been a dangerous criminal with a history of violence. He had previously killed on behalf of Mexican drug cartels and had stabbed and injured the driver of the prison transport bus during his escape. The tragic deaths of Bryson and his family members have highlighted the need for better security measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
