HOUSTON – A bond has been denied for a man charged in connection with a deadly shooting where two men were ambushed and killed during their daily early morning walks near a southwest Houston park, according to the Houston Police Department.
The suspect, Charles Ernest Lopez, 25, was charged with capital murder in the shooting deaths of Natanael Reyes, 68, and Guadalupe Flores, 74.
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ORIGINAL STORY: 2 retired men killed ambush-style in attack while walking trail near southwest Houston park
Lopez did not show up for his first court appearance on Tuesday following his arrest on Monday. His bond was denied by a judge due to seriousness of the offense.
In court, prosecutors said the vehicle that Lopez was reportedly driving during the time of the shooting may be possibly tied to two other cases. Prosecutors did not elaborate on the specifics of those cases.
Background
On June 27, Houston police responded to a call to 14900 White Heather Drive about 5:45 a.m. in regard to a shooting.
Investigators learned that Reyes and Flores, both retired, were walking in the park when they were gunned down in an ambush-style attack.
Most of the shots came from behind the men, catching them off guard, and the suspect stood over them and released additional rounds of gunfire from above, according to HPD Sgt. Michael Arrington.
“They were just out here walking,” Arrington said. “None of their pockets were ruffled through, from what we can tell or look like anything was stolen from them. So, it does appear to be more targeted or an ambush-style attack.”
Police said the suspect fled in a white 4-door sedan eastbound from the location.
Investigators later identified the vehicle of interest and, on Monday, June 30, police found the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.
The driver, identified as Lopez, admitted to his role in the shooting, police said. Investigators also learned Lopez lived 8 minutes from the park where the shooting happened.
The motive for the shooting is still under investigation.
