A manhunt continues for a gunman who opened fire at a sports bar in Cleveland, Texas, early Sunday morning, September 7, 2025, killing two people and injuring four others at the Alas Locas sports bar.
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect as 32-year-old Jose Osman Aguilar Cantillano, who remains at large with a murder warrant issued for his arrest. Authorities warn he is armed and dangerous and may be traveling toward New Orleans, Louisiana, or Atlanta, Georgia, where he has family connections.
The shooting occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. on County Road 5018 in the Plum Grove area, about 45 miles northeast of Houston. According to investigators, Cantillano arrived at the bar around midnight, ordered several beers, and paid in cash while sitting alone for about an hour and a half. Bar employees confirmed he was not a regular patron.
Cantillano left the establishment shortly before closing time, then returned minutes later and opened fire on patrons gathered on the outdoor patio. He also fired shots through the front doors of the business before fleeing the scene. Based on shell casings collected by investigators, including Texas Department of Public Safety Rangers, officials determined at least 20 shots were fired from what appeared to be two different guns.
Two victims have been confirmed dead from the shooting. Alexis Jasso, 30, was pronounced dead at the scene. Fernando Navarrete, 43, was airlifted to a Houston-area hospital where he died on Monday, September 8. Four other victims sustained non-fatal injuries and have been treated and released from hospitals.
The injured victims include Sandra Patricia Valiz Adrian, 42, who was shot in her right hand; Aldegundo Alvarez Trujillo, 40, who was shot in his left hand; Jose Rafael Sanchez, 34, who was shot in his shoulder; and Andres Gonzalez, 35, who was shot in his leg.
Surveillance footage captured the shooting, and authorities have released images of the suspect and his getaway vehicle. The images show a man in a blue t-shirt near a white construction-style van with no side windows. The vehicle has visible damage including a long scratch along the side and front bumper damage sustained while fleeing the scene.
On Monday, September 8, investigators executed a search warrant at Cantillano’s home but did not find him there. Later that evening, deputies arrested his wife, 23-year-old Alejandra Marie Valdez Montoya, on charges of tampering with evidence. She is being held at the Liberty County Jail.
Court records reveal Cantillano has a lengthy criminal history across multiple Texas counties. In Angelina County, records show arrests for public intoxication, resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia, and assault involving family violence. Additional citations in Waller, Harris, Fort Bend, and Galveston counties include driving without a license, speeding, debt claims, and toll road violations.
Captain David Myers of the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office indicated that investigators believe Cantillano may be driving either the white construction van or a green Toyota Corolla. License plates for either vehicle have not been confirmed. Federal involvement is being discussed, with investigators confirming contact with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Liberty County Sheriff Bobby Rader credited community tips for helping identify Cantillano from surveillance footage. Rader stated, “If it hadn’t been for the community, we’d still be doing a lot of investigation.”
The incident marks the second mass shooting at a bar in the Houston metropolitan area this year. On March 23, six people were shot at the Latinas Sports Bar in southwest Houston. Jose Miguel Briceno, 25, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault mass shooting in connection with that incident, while a second suspect remains at large.
In June, Briceno was among 16 foreign nationals indicted on federal drug trafficking and weapons charges following an operation targeting Venezuelan nationals and alleged members of the Anti-Tren transnational criminal organization. Federal prosecutors alleged the Latinas Sports Bar shooting resulted from a turf war between Anti-Tren and TdA gangs.
Local residents describe Alas Locas as a family-friendly restaurant during the day that transforms into a bar after midnight. Deputies confirmed no security was present when the shooting occurred. A motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
Authorities stress that anyone helping Cantillano hide could face charges, including aiding and abetting or failure to report a felony. Officials urge anyone who spots the suspect or either vehicle to avoid approaching him and call authorities immediately. Tips can be submitted to the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office at 936-336-4500 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-392-7867.