A Texas grandfather and his four grandsons were shot, stabbed and by a prison escapee who attacked their family ranch, according to authorities.
Gonzalo Lopez on May 12 by breaking free from his restraints. Other inmates reportedly helped Lopez escape by making noise and distracting guards on the transport.
Police believe that Lopez attacked a ranch owned by Mark Collins in Centerville, Texas, after escaping. Mark was found dead on June 2, alongside his four grandsons, 18-year-old Waylon Collins, 16-year-old Carson Collins, 11-year-old Hudson Collins, and 11-year-old Bryson Collins.
Mark and Waylon were both by gunshot wounds and sharp force injuries, according to released on Thursday. Carson, Hudson, and Bryson were by gunshots and stab wounds.
Lopez was convicted of a murder at the Mexico border in 2006 and was serving a life sentence.
Lopez’s escape began one of the largest inmate searches in Texas state history. Authorities combed the woods where he escaped with 40 patrols and offered a $50,000 reward.
‘Lopez has a complete disregard for human life and will do what it takes to avoid capture,’ said Texas Inspector General Cris Love.
Investigators said DNA was found at the ranch that tied Lopez to the crime, reported.
Lopez was also found in possession of a pistol and an AR-15 rifle stolen from Mark’s ranch, as well as the ranch owner’s white Chevrolet pickup truck.
Police pursued Lopez in the pickup truck until they were able to flatten its tires with spike traps. Lopez crashed into a fence, where he reportedly fired upon the pursuing officers. He was in the shootout.
A public funeral for the Collins family will be held on June 11 at Champion Baptist Church in Houston, and will be livestreamed on and the .
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