Maria Perez, a 14-year-old Hispanic female, was tragically found dead on November 4, 2018, in Katy, Texas. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when authorities received a call from Reyna Isabel Perez, the mother of Maria and her 15-year-old sister, Isabella Perez. Reyna reported that she could not locate her family after arriving home. Upon arrival, the police discovered the bodies of Maria, Isabella, and their stepfather, Victor Portillo, in an upstairs room of their home.
All three had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
The investigation revealed that Victor Portillo, the stepfather, allegedly shot and killed Maria and Isabella before turning the gun on himself in what authorities described as a double murder-suicide. The incident took place at their residence on Silverhawk Drive. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez stated that family issues would be part of the background investigation, as it is standard procedure to investigate any potential conflicts within the family.
The community was left in shock and mourning following the tragic event. Friends and classmates of Maria and Isabella from Mayde Creek High School gathered at a makeshift memorial outside the home to pay their respects. The school and the Katy Independent School District provided support to students and staff through their Crisis Intervention Team, which included counselors and Licensed Specialists in School Psychology .
The case remains a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of addressing family conflicts before they escalate to such tragic outcomes. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Maria Perez, age 14, and her sister Isabella Perez, age 15, continues to be a somber chapter in the community of Katy, Texas.
