LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas – The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office says the man accused of opening fire outside a Cleveland bar early Sunday morning is still on the run.
Investigators have identified the suspect as 32-year-old Jose Osman Aguilar Cantillano, and a murder warrant has been issued for his arrest. Deputies warn he is armed and dangerous.
The violence broke out just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday outside Alas Locas Sports Bar, located on County Road 5018.
Deputies say Cantillano arrived around midnight, ordered drinks, and sat alone for more than an hour. He left shortly before closing, then returned minutes later and opened fire on patrons gathered outside on the patio. Investigators say he also shot toward the front doors of the business before fleeing.
Six people were shot. Alexis Jasso, 30, was pronounced dead at the scene. Fernando Navarrete, 43, was flown to a Houston hospital, where he died the following day.
The four survivors have been identified as Sandra Patricia Valiz Adrian, 42, who was shot in the hand; Aldegundo Alvarez Trujillo, 40, who was also shot in the hand; Jose Rafael Sanchez, 34, who was shot in the shoulder; and Andres Gonzalez, 35, who was shot in the leg. All four were treated and released.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Captain David Meyers said Cantillano is the sole shooter in the case and remains a top priority for law enforcement.
“Our main goal is to catch this man and put him behind bars. We do believe him to be dangerous, and we do believe him to be armed,” Meyers said.
Investigators believe Cantillano may be driving a white construction-style van with visible damage to the side panel and front bumper. They are also investigating reports he may be using a green Toyota Corolla. License plates for either vehicle have not been confirmed.
Deputies say Cantillano has ties to both New Orleans, Louisiana, and Atlanta, Georgia, and could be traveling to either city.
Wife arrested for tampering with evidence
On Monday, investigators executed a search warrant at Cantillano’s home. Later that evening, deputies arrested his wife, 23-year-old Alejandra Marie Valdez Montoya, for tampering with evidence. She is being held at the Liberty County Jail.
Officials would not provide details on the evidence involved, citing the ongoing investigation.
Criminal record across multiple counties
Court documents reviewed by KPRC 2 show Cantillano has a lengthy history of arrests in several Texas counties:
- In Angelina County, records list arrests for public intoxication, resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia, and assault involving family violence.
- In Waller County, citations include driving without a license and speeding.
- In Harris, Fort Bend, and Galveston counties, cases include debt claims, toll road violations, and misdemeanor charges sent to collections.
When asked if Cantillano’s history factored into the investigation, Meyers said deputies are focused on the facts from the night of the shooting.
“We’re approaching the case based on the facts we learned on the scene that night and the hideous crime that he committed,” Meyers said.
In addition to local and state resources, federal involvement is now being discussed. Investigators confirmed they have been in contact with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
KPRC 2 has also requested information on whether Cantillano is in the country legally. ICE has not yet responded.
Sheriff Bobby Rader thanked the public for the tips that helped investigators identify Cantillano from surveillance footage.
“If it hadn’t been for the community, we’d still be doing a lot of investigation. The community stepped up and helped us out with this,” Rader said.
Residents describe Alas Locas as a family-friendly restaurant during the day that turns into a bar after midnight. Deputies confirmed there was no security on site when the shooting happened.
Authorities stressed that anyone helping Cantillano hide could face charges, including aiding and abetting or failure to report a felony.
How to report tips
Deputies urge anyone who sees Cantillano or either of the vehicles described to avoid approaching him and call authorities immediately.
Contact the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office at 936-336-4500, or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 800-392-7867.