Guadalupe Lucio Naranjo, an 80-year-old Hispanic man from Jasper, Texas, passed away on January 29, 2021. He was a retired U.S. Army Drill Sergeant and former Warden of the Filyaw Correctional Unit in Jasper. Naranjo was well-known in his community for his handy skills and dedication to yard work, carpentry, and working on vehicles. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
On February 4, 2021, law enforcement officers arrested Dalton Paul Hinch, a
22-year-old man from Vidor, in connection with Naranjo's death. Investigators believe that Hinch stabbed and shot Naranjo in his home on Olen Street, south of Jasper. The murder weapon, a 9 millimeter semi-automatic gun, was reported missing from the scene. Naranjo's body was discovered after a friend called emergency services when she couldn't reach him.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office, along with other law enforcement agencies, participated in the high-risk arrest of Hinch. Hinch was arraigned on the murder charge and taken into custody at the Jasper County Jail. The investigation revealed that Naranjo likely fought back against his attacker, as evidenced by the multiple stab wounds and gunshot injuries.
The case drew significant attention from the community, as Naranjo was considered a beloved neighbor and a person who always helped others. His neighbors remembered him fondly and were shocked by the violent nature of his death. The investigation continued with the assistance of the Texas Rangers and other forensic experts to gather more evidence and build a stronger case against Hinch.
In summary, Guadalupe Naranjo's death was a tragic event that led to the arrest and charging of Dalton Paul Hinch for murder. The case highlighted the importance of community vigilance and the impact of violent crime on small-town life.