On April 28, 2023, in Cleveland, Texas, 18-year-old Jose Jonathan Casarez was one of five people fatally shot when a neighbor allegedly entered a home and opened fire. The shooter, 38-year-old Francisco Oropeza, had been firing an AR-15 in his yard; neighbors reportedly asked him to stop because a baby was sleeping. Witnesses said Oropeza, reportedly intoxicated, replied that he would do what he wanted in his front yard, then went into the residence and shot several people, including victims struck in the neck and head described by officials as execution style.

The other victims were identified as Sonia Argentina Guzman, 25; Diana Velazquez Alvarado, 21; Julisa Molina Rivera, 31; and Daniel Enrique Laso, 9. Some victims were found shielding children, and two women were discovered lying on top of surviving children in a bedroom. Oropeza fled but was arrested May 2, 2023, in Cut and Shoot, Texas, hiding under laundry in a closet; he was charged with five counts of first-degree murder with bond set at $7.5 million. Two other people were arrested on allegations they helped him evade capture.

The families of the victims continue to grieve and seek justice. If anyone knew Jose Jonathan Casarez or has information about the events that night, please come forward.