COLDSPRING, Texas — Francisco Oropeza, the man accused of killing five people in Texas in 2023 after a neighbor asked him to stop firing a gun late at night, has pleaded guilty to capital murder. As part of a plea deal to avoid the death penalty, Oropeza will serve life in prison without the possibility of parole, according to San Jacinto County District Attorney Todd Dillon.
The Shooting Incident
The deadly shooting occurred on April 28, 2023, in the rural town of Cleveland, Texas, about 45 miles north of Houston. Police say Oropeza, a Mexican national, stormed into his neighbors’ house and opened fire after they complained about him firing his gun late at night, disturbing their baby’s sleep.
Victims of the Shooting:
- Five victims were killed, including a 9-year-old boy.
- All the victims were from Honduras.
- The baby was unharmed during the incident.
The attack shocked the rural community and led to an intense manhunt, with Oropeza fleeing the scene and later being arrested near Conroe, Texas, about 20 miles from the crime scene.
Life Sentence Without Parole
Prosecutors pursued a plea deal after discussions with the victims’ families, ensuring Oropeza would never be eligible for parole or deportation.
“He is not eligible for deportation. He is not eligible for anything,” Dillon said. “He will stay in the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice until he breathes his last breath.”
Oropeza pleaded guilty to capital murder of multiple persons and listened to emotional testimony from the victims’ families before entering his plea on Wednesday.
Immigration History and Previous Deportations
According to U.S. immigration officials, Oropeza had been deported four times between 2009 and 2016. However, with his life sentence, he will remain in Texas custody permanently and will not face deportation.
Legal Representation and Previous Tensions
Oropeza’s attorney, Anthony Osso Sr., did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday. He had previously noted that tension between Oropeza and his neighbors had been building for some time, which culminated in the tragic incident.
The Aftermath and Manhunt
After the shooting, police conducted an intense multi-day search before capturing Oropeza near Conroe. The community and law enforcement expressed relief after the arrest, as the incident had left the neighborhood shaken and mourning the victims.
With the guilty plea and life sentence, Oropeza will spend the rest of his life in prison, ensuring justice for the victims’ families. The case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of escalating disputes and the importance of community safety in rural areas.