The five victims believed to have been killed by escaped inmate Gonzalo Lopez were Tomball ISD students and their grandfather, the school district confirmed Friday morning.
“The loss of a student, for any reason, is heartbreaking, but to lose four in such a tragic way is excruciating, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of these beloved students and grandfather,” an email from the district said.
Escaped inmate Gonzalo Lopez is dead after a shootout with law enforcement officers in Atascosa County, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice confirmed. Lopez had been on the run since May 12 and is believed to have murdered one adult and four minors on Thursday in Centerville.
TDCJ Chief of Staff Jason Clark said Lopez was spotted in the San Antonio area driving a Chevrolet Silverado that he was suspected of stealing.
A chase ensued followed by a crash. Lopez then got out of the truck with a firearm and shot at law enforcement. Clark said officers returned fire, ultimately killing Lopez. No officers were injured in the shootout.