Carson Blake Collins, a 16-year-old male of Caucasian ethnicity from Tomball, Texas, tragically lost his life on June 2, 2022, in Centerville, Texas. Carson was one of five family members murdered at their ranch by Gonzalo Lopez, a fugitive murderer who had escaped from prison custody. The other victims included Carson's grandfather, Mark Collins, 66, and his brothers, Waylon Collins, 18, and Hudson Collins, 11, as well as their cousin, Bryson Collins, 11.
Authorities believe that Lopez,
who was serving a life sentence for murder and had ties to Mexican drug cartels, broke into the Collins family ranch, stole their truck, and took an AR-15-style rifle and a pistol before fleeing the scene. The bodies of the Collins family were discovered during a welfare check conducted by law enforcement at around 6 p.m. on June 2, 2022. Lopez was later killed in a shootout with police in Atascosa County, south of San Antonio, after leading officers on a brief chase in the stolen truck.
The investigation into the murders revealed that all five victims were shot and had stab wounds or sharp force injuries. The manner of death was ruled as homicide by the medical examiner. The tragic incident sent shockwaves through the small community of Centerville and the greater Houston area, where the Collins family was well-known and deeply loved.
The case drew significant media attention and led to a heightened sense of vigilance among residents in the area as authorities searched for Lopez. The Collins family was described by their pastor and community members as having "the greatest character, the deepest faith, and unrelenting kindness and love." The family's tragic loss was mourned by many, and a vigil was held in their honor in the Houston suburb of Tomball.
In the aftermath of the murders, the Collins family's pastor and community members continued to express their grief and support for the family. The family's legacy of kindness and generosity was remembered by those who knew them, and their memory continues to be honored by friends, family, and the community.
The investigation into the murders and the circumstances surrounding Lopez's escape and subsequent actions were widely covered by the media, highlighting the devastating impact of the incident on the Collins family and the broader community.
