NEW information about the tragic death of a Texas grandfather and his four grandsons following a convict’s escape has been revealed.
Gonzalo Lopez was shot dead by cops last Thursday after escaping from a prison bus, stabbing the driver and fleeing for three weeks.
Hours before Lopez’s death, the bodies of Mark Collins and his four grandsons – Waylon, 18, Carson, 16, Hudson, 11 and Bryson, 11 – were found dead in a weekend home the family used for hunting and fishing.
Investigators said they believe Lopez stabbed all of them to death before stealing a truck and driving off. This resulted in a chase with police and a shootout near San Antonio.
According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, DNA belonging to Lopez was collected from a neighboring cabin two days before the Collins family was killed.
The TDCJ said the DNA was taken after the cabin had been burglarized.
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Neighbors in the area were upset, claiming that they weren’t told that the DNA belonged to the convict.
“If Mr Collins knew he [Lopez] was still in this area he would’ve likely… I’m sure he would not have brought his grandsons up here,” said neighbor Toni Apodaca to KHOU 11.
However, the TDCJ said the confirmation of the DNA evidence didn’t come back until late Thursday after investigators believe the family had already been killed.
A comprehensive investigation into how Lopez was able to escape and evade capture for nearly a month has been promised by the TDCJ, however, there is no timeline for when the investigation will be completed.
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HELP FROM OTHER PRISONERS
Lopez, who was linked to the Mexican cartel, had allegedly told other inmates “this is your opportunity” during his May 12 escape, said state Sen John Whitmire.
There were 16 passengers on board the bus, who helped Lopez by “making a disturbance, singing and jumping up and down” to distract the officers that were present, Whitmire said.
Lopez, who had a key and knife on him, was able to get out of his restraints. Now, some of the other inmates could face other charges.
The convicted killer initially ran after escaping the bus but was able to get back in and drive a short distance until officers fired shots and disabled the vehicle.
Lopez would eventually run into the woods, beginning his weeks-long escape.
“Lopez was the worst of the worse,” said Whitmire, adding that “huge mistakes were made.”
Due to the escape being investigated by the TDCJ, there is a halt on prisoner transport in the state.
MOST WANTED
Before he became a wanted fugitive in 2022, Gonzalo Lopez had prior convictions.
The now-deceased criminal was on the list of Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives.
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In 1996, he was found guilty of charges relating to aggravated assault, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and failure to stop and render aid.
A decade later, in 2006, he was sentenced to life in prison for capital murder.
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