On January 25, 2024, at approximately 3:20 a.m., 37-year-old Steven Santillan was fatally shot during a home invasion at his residence on Morgan Cemetery Road in Splendora, Texas. According to reports, three men wearing ski masks forcibly entered the home and shot Santillan multiple times in the presence of his wife, who immediately called 911 to report the incident.
Splendora Police Department officers, who were in the vicinity at the time, observed a vehicle occupied by three males driving at high speed and pulling into a nearby gas station. As officers attempted to make contact, two of the suspects fled in the vehicle, leaving the third behind. A brief pursuit ensued, culminating in a crash at U.S. 59 and Fostoria Road. The two fleeing suspects were apprehended after a short foot chase, and the third suspect was also taken into custody.
The individuals arrested were identified as Andre Franklin, 26; Derrick Wilson, 27; and Jose Gutierrez, 23, all from Houston, Texas. Each has an extensive felony criminal history involving violent offenses in Harris County and has previously served prison time. All three were charged with capital murder in connection with Santillan's death.
Subsequent investigations led to the identification of a fourth suspect, Anthony Lawrence Green, who is currently wanted on an active warrant for capital murder related to this case. Authorities have described Green as armed and dangerous and have urged anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office or Crime Stoppers.
The motive behind this tragic incident is believed to be robbery, though the investigation remains ongoing. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office has expressed condolences to Steven Santillan's family as they navigate this profound loss.
