Illegal Migrants Strip, Rob Woman Before Killing Man—Affidavit
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Three undocumented migrants charged in connection with a fatal shooting at a Texas motel were allegedly involved in a robbery and sexual assault hours earlier, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox 4.
The suspects are accused of targeting a woman at a nearby motel before returning and fatally shooting 48-year-old Santiago Lopez Morales in Garland, the outlet reported. The three men are being held without bond because of an immigration detainer.
The Context
The suspects include Jose Luis Trivino-Cruz, 35, who is being held on a total bond of $3.255 million, Fox 4 reported. In addition to capital murder, he is facing charges of aggravated robbery and indecent assault. Jesus De Nazareth Bellorin-Guzman, 23, has been charged with capital murder and aggravated robbery, the outlet reported. His bond has been set at $2.25 million. Yosguar Aponte Jimenez, 20, is also charged with capital murder and is being held on a $1.5 million bond.
Flashing lights from a police vehicle parked behind yellow police tape in Houston on July 11, 2024.
Flashing lights from a police vehicle parked behind yellow police tape in Houston on July 11, 2024.
Aaron M. Sprecher/AP
What To Know
Police were called to the Motel 6 in the 12700 block of LBJ Freeway just after 5 a.m. on June 20 for reports of a shooting, according to the Garland Police Department.
Officers found Morales with a gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died, Fox 4 reported.
Four witnesses who arrived with Morales were interviewed at the scene. One woman told police she had been robbed earlier and that Morales began messaging the suspects while posing as a prostitute to set up a meeting at Motel 6, according to the arrest affidavit obtained by Fox 4.
Surveillance footage shows a pickup carrying Morales arriving at the motel around 4:21 a.m., followed by a Toyota and a gray Acura, according to the outlet. Just after 5 a.m., Morales confronted a man from the Toyota, leading to a struggle. A second suspect arrived and shot Morales, while the third suspect, driving the Acura, pulled up to the scene before all three fled in the Acura and Toyota, Fox 4 reported.
Morales was left motionless and bleeding. Two women from the pickup approached his body. One appeared to call 911. The first officer arrived at 5:19 a.m. and began first aid, according to Fox 4.
Detectives later linked the incident to an earlier robbery that morning at the Deluxe Inn on Leon Road. Surveillance video showed the same Acura and Toyota from the Motel 6 scene, Fox 4 reported.
A woman at the Deluxe Inn told police that two Hispanic men forced their way into her room, held her at gunpoint, sexually assaulted her, and stole money and jewelry before leaving, the outlet said. She later identified the men in the Motel 6 surveillance video as her attackers.
Police then arrested Jimenez, Bellorin-Guzman and Trivino-Cruz, Fox 4 reported.
Jimenez told investigators that the group had committed more than 25 robberies, often targeting sex workers, who they believed were unlikely to report the crimes. Trivino-Cruz said they had committed two additional robberies earlier that day, according to Fox 4.
What People Are Saying
Garland Police Department wrote on Facebook: "Investigators believe this to be an isolated incident and are actively working to determine the events leading up to the shooting."
What Happens Next
Authorities have not confirmed the countries of origin for the suspects. The investigation remains ongoing, according to the Garland Police Department.
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