In the quiet early morning hours of Saturday, September 19, 2026, a sense of unease settled over the 1000 block of W. Seale Street in Nacogdoches, Texas. Just after 5 a.m., the sound of gunshots shattered the predawn stillness, prompting a concerned resident to alert the Nacogdoches Police Department. Another caller soon followed, reporting that a person had been shot at a home in the area.
The 76-year-old Hispanic man, Candelario Castaneda-Almaraz, was discovered by responding officers deceased in the doorway of his residence.
The scene that unfolded was one of sudden and violent tragedy. Mr. Castaneda-Almaraz, a long-time resident of the community, had been fatally wounded. The Nacogdoches Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division immediately launched a homicide investigation into the shooting. Detectives began the meticulous process of gathering evidence and speaking with potential witnesses, working to piece together the events that led to the elderly man's death. As the initial news of the incident spread, a shadow of concern fell over the neighborhood, leaving residents to grapple with the senseless loss of a member of their community.
In the days following the discovery of Candelario Castaneda-Almaraz's body, the investigation remained active and ongoing. Law enforcement officials confirmed that they were treating the case as a homicide but had not yet identified a suspect or a motive for the shooting. As of late September 2026, no arrests had been made in connection with the case. The Nacogdoches Police Department continued to appeal to the public for any information that might lead to a breakthrough in their investigation. The case remains an open and active homicide investigation, with authorities dedicated to bringing closure to the family of Mr. Castaneda-Almaraz and ensuring that justice is served for his untimely death.
