On December 3, 2023, at approximately 4:20 p.m., Dallas Police responded to a shooting at a residence in the 9700 block of Royce Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered the bodies of three adults: 20-year-old Vanessa DeLaCruz, 33-year-old Karina Lopez, and 50-year-old Jose Lopez. Additionally, two children were found injured: a 15-year-old girl and 1-year-old Logan De La Cruz. Tragically, Logan succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, while the teenage girl was treated and released.
A 13-year-old girl present in the home remained unharmed.
Investigators identified 21-year-old Byron Carillo as the primary suspect in the quadruple homicide. Carillo, who had been previously charged with aggravated assault in 2021, was wearing an ankle monitor at the time of the incident. Evidence suggests he removed the device either shortly before or immediately after committing the offense. Following the shootings, Carillo fled the scene in a stolen vehicle, heading south on Interstate 35.
Law enforcement agencies, including Highway Patrol officers, located Carillo near Austin, Texas. A pursuit ensued, culminating in Carillo crashing the vehicle into a ditch. He then attempted to flee on foot but, as officers closed in, he fatally shot himself. The Texas Rangers are currently investigating his death.
Family members revealed that Carillo was the ex-boyfriend of Vanessa DeLaCruz and the father of 1-year-old Logan. They indicated that Vanessa had recently ended the relationship due to Carillo's alleged abusive behavior and had moved into her parents' home for safety. Relatives also mentioned that Carillo had a history of threatening the family, making the tragic events even more harrowing.
The Dallas community has been deeply affected by this tragedy, mourning the loss of four lives, including a young child. Vigils and memorials have been held in honor of the victims, as the community grapples with the devastating impact of domestic violence and seeks ways to support the surviving family members during this difficult time.
