On the night of April 28, 2023, in Cleveland, Texas, 21-year-old Diana Velázquez Alvarado was among five individuals fatally shot in their residence. The tragedy unfolded when a neighbor, 38-year-old Francisco Oropeza, was reportedly firing his AR-15 rifle in his yard. Family members approached him, requesting that he cease shooting due to a baby's disturbance. Oropeza allegedly responded, "I'll do what I want to in my front yard," before entering their home and opening fire.
The victims, all from Honduras, were identified as Sonia Argentina Guzman, 25; Diana Velázquez Alvarado, 21; Julisa Molina Rivera, 31; José Jonathan Casarez, 18; and Daniel Enrique Laso, 8. Authorities described the scene as "execution-style," with the victims shot above the neck at close range. Notably, two women were found lying on top of surviving children, believed to be shielding them from the gunfire.
Following the incident, Oropeza fled, prompting a four-day manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies. He was apprehended on May 2, 2023, in Cut and Shoot, Texas, found hiding under a pile of laundry in a residence. Subsequently, a Texas grand jury indicted Oropeza on capital murder charges for the deaths of the five individuals. As of June 30, 2023, prosecutors had not yet determined whether to seek the death penalty.
In connection with the case, Oropeza's partner, 52-year-old Divimara Lamar Nava, was arrested and charged with hindering apprehension and prosecution of a known felon. She is accused of assisting Oropeza in evading capture by hiding him at a relative's home. Nava is being held on a $250,000 bond.
This tragic event has deeply affected the Cleveland community, highlighting ongoing concerns about gun violence and the enforcement of firearm regulations. The victims are remembered by family and friends, with memorials and tributes honoring their lives.
