Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the fatal shooting of one man and the wounding of another at 264 Casa Grande about 1:45 a.m. on October 19, 2017.
The suspect, Jonathan Vera (H/m, 17), is charged with capital murder in the 351st State District Court for his role in the killing of Silvano Cortez, 55, of the above address.
A booking photo of Vera, courtesy of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, is attached to this news release.
A booking photo of Vera is attached to this news release.
HPD Homicide Division Officers D. Stark and G. Sullivan reported:
A friend of Mr. Cortez, who also lives at the residence, was leaving for work through the front door when he was confronted by three armed men. The suspects forced their way into the home and made the man lie on the living room floor. The suspects then went to Cortez’ bedroom and held him and his wife at gunpoint. At some point, one of the suspects fired multiple shots, fatally striking Cortez. As the suspects fled the house, one of them fired shots into the house. Cortez’ friend was struck in the leg. He survived his injuries.
Further investigation identified Vera as one of the suspects in this case. A juvenile, 16, at the time of the shooting, Vera was certified as an adult and was subsequently taken into custody and charged on Wednesday (June 20).
Anyone with information on the two additional unknown suspects wanted in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Jonathan Vera
Update: JFC/VHS 6-21-18
KJS/JKS 10-19-17
Inc. #132051317