Natanael Fuentes Reyes dies in fatal Houston shooting

Natanael Fuentes Reyes dies in fatal Houston shooting

Fatal Houston shooting death of Natanael Fuentes Reyes

A family member of the 24-year-old Charles Lopez, who is being held accountable for the deaths of two elderly Houston residents, discussed the suspect’s mental state with ABC13 exclusively on Wednesday. He sought to remain anonymous due to fears of retaliation and mentioned that his relatives have encountered a significant amount of online animosity since the incident occurred.

The individual stated, “Many people do not seem to understand who (Lopez) truly was. What he was at his core. I believe they should, and I felt it was important to attempt to assist him. People often say things that are inappropriate and uncalled for.”

Houston Police Department officials confirmed that Lopez admitted to the murders of 67-year-old Natanael Fuentes Reyes and 74-year-old Guadalupe Flores. The attack, characterized by Sgt. Michael Arrington as a calculated ambush, took place on a pedestrian path in Wildheather Park on Friday morning.

Arrington explained to ABC13 that Lopez fired shots at the victims from behind them and then stood over their bodies, continuing to fire.

On Monday, law enforcement stopped Lopez as he was driving a white Honda Accord, which investigators determined was the vehicle used in the crime. Lopez confessed that a firearm inside the car was the weapon he employed in the killings.

Legal documents show that forensic analysts connected shell fragments from the crime scene to similar evidence from two other incidents in Brazoria and Harris County. These additional cases are currently being investigated.

Lopez’s relative expressed deep grief, saying, “Additional suffering, sorrow, and worry. We cannot predict what might come next. This is a devastating occurrence that has already happened. We are unable to imagine any further developments.”

Further information revealed that the victims, Fuentes Reyes and Flores, were acquainted neighbors and long-time companions. Sgt. Arrington and members of the Fuentes Reyes family confirmed that the two men frequently walked together in the park each day.

ABC13 confirmed that the entrances to the neighborhoods where the victims and Lopez lived were directly across the street from each other.

However, Harris County District Attorney’s Office Chief Prosecutor Michael Simons noted, “There is no indication of any relationship between (Lopez) and the victims at this time. We do not know the reason behind these murders.”

Fuentes Reyes’ son, Wille Fuentes, informed ABC13 that he had never encountered Lopez before the suspect’s apprehension.

Lopez’s relative indicated that he believed the victims were not familiar with each other.

“We have no knowledge of that,” he conveyed.

Regarding mental health, the relative described that Lopez had been struggling with psychological issues for an extended period and that his condition had started to decline in the previous month. He mentioned that Lopez experienced frequent shifts in his emotional state and had difficulty holding steady employment.

“I just want people to know that he was not in a stable mental state. His mind was not right, and he was a fundamentally decent person,” he added.

The relative characterized Lopez as a caring father, companion, and friend, with two young children, aged 4 and 2, from his partnership with his high school sweetheart.

Court records indicate that “mental health challenges” were noted in Lopez’s record. The family attempted to offer support but felt they did not fully grasp the extent of his condition.

“I simply wish I could have done more to assist him,” he said emotionally.

Lopez failed to attend his initial court proceedings on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The relative broke down during the interview, telling ABC13 that he felt “profoundly sorry” for the families of the victims. He explained, “I don’t think there’s anything I can say to comfort them.” He also mourned for both the victims’ families and his own.