Texas fugitive accused of murdering household whilst on the lam killed in shootout

Victor I. Nava

June 03, 03:17 AM June 03, 03:19 AM

A convicted murderer who escaped from custody right after stabbing a prison bus driver and is suspected of slaying a loved ones of 5 when on the run is lifeless soon after a shootout with law enforcement, authorities said Thursday.

Gonzalo Lopez was armed with an AR-15 and quite a few pistols that authorities believe he stole from a dwelling in Centerville, Texas, soon after killing two grown ups and three children at the home. Police in Atascosa County, Texas, on Thursday noticed a auto thought to have been stolen from the dwelling by Lopez and gave chase, the Texas Division of Criminal Justice reported. Lopez wrecked the motor vehicle in Jourdanton, Texas, and was killed following he fired at officers, in accordance to authorities. The escaped convict had been on the operate because May perhaps 12.

“We are very saddened that the murders took place but I will tell you we are respiration a sigh of aid that Lopez will not be able to hurt any one else,” said Texas Department of Legal Justice Chief of Staff Jason Clark at a press conference.

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Authorities say the firearms Lopez utilized in the shootout with police were stolen from the property of the murdered victims.

The five victims have been observed dead on Thursday in the vicinity of the spot in Leon County wherever Lopez, 46, escaped the jail bus, according to local outlet KBTX.

Lopez and 15 other inmates ended up heading to a medical appointment in Huntsville, Texas, on May well 12 when he broke cost-free of his shackles, lower as a result of a steel cage on the bus, and attacked the driver.

The bus driver, who was stabbed multiple moments by Lopez, was equipped to prevent the auto and get out with Lopez and another guard on the bus. Lopez, nonetheless, was ready to get back again on the bus a generate for a short length as both equally the driver and guard fired at the bus's tires. Lopez fled into the woods just after the bus was disabled.

The bus driver's wounds have been non-lifestyle-threatening and none of the other inmates on the bus escaped, in accordance to authorities.

Lopez experienced been serving a everyday living sentence for cash murder. He was convicted in 2006 immediately after killing a male with a pickax.

Authorities have not unveiled the names of the 5 people today Lopez is believed to have killed while on the lam.