April Vancleave, a 33-year-old woman from Arlington, Texas, was tragically murdered on December 15, 2016. She was killed while trying to raise money to buy Christmas presents for her 6-year-old daughter by selling jewelry she had listed online. Vancleave and her husband agreed to meet potential buyers at a Target store, thinking it would be safe in a busy public place.
However, the supposed buyers never showed up, and Vancleave's husband dropped her off at home before heading to work.
Detectives believe that two men followed Vancleave and her husband home, waited for her husband to leave, and then attacked Vancleave when she was alone. The assailants stole her purse and shot her once, leading to her death. Surveillance video from the Target store showed two men leaving the store and getting into a maroon pickup truck, and these men were identified as persons of interest in the case.
In the aftermath of Vancleave's death, Arlington police launched an investigation and released the surveillance video to the public, urging anyone with information to come forward. The family also pleaded for help in catching the person responsible for the murder. A $10,000 reward was offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment.
In June 2017, two suspects were arrested in connection with Vancleave's murder. Mario Hernan Lopez Gamez and Alex Menor Diaz were charged with capital murder. Detectives were able to trace the cell phone number linked to the buyer's account, which led them to the suspects. Lopez Gamez and Diaz were seen on the Target surveillance video and were believed to have followed Vancleave home and attacked her.
The case drew significant attention from the community and law enforcement, highlighting the dangers of meeting online buyers in person. The family continues to seek justice for April Vancleave, who was remembered as a loving mother and a big-hearted individual who wanted to make Christmas special for her daughter.
The investigation into Vancleave's murder remains ongoing, and the suspects are awaiting trial. The community and Vancleave's family hope for a resolution that brings justice for her and closure for those who loved her.
