A manhunt continues for a gunman who opened fire at the Alas Locas sports bar in Cleveland, Texas, early Sunday morning, September 7, 2025, killing two people and injuring four others. The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect as 32-year-old Jose Osman Aguilar Cantillano and issued a murder warrant for his arrest.
The shooting occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. on the outdoor patio of the establishment located on County Road 5018, about 45 miles northeast of Houston. According to investigators, Cantillano arrived at the bar around midnight, ordered drinks, and sat alone for more than an hour before leaving briefly and then returning to open fire on patrons gathered outside.
Alexis Jasso, 30, was pronounced dead at the scene. Fernando Navarrete, 43, was airlifted to a Houston hospital where he died Monday from his injuries. Four other victims survived the attack: Sandra Patricia Valiz Adrian, 42, was shot in her right hand; Aldegundo Alvarez Trujillo, 40, was shot in his left hand; Jose Rafael Sanchez, 34, was shot in his shoulder; and Andres Gonzalez, 35, was shot in his leg. All four survivors have been treated and released from hospitals.
Captain David Myers of the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office indicated that at least 20 shots were fired from what appeared to be two different guns, based on shell casings collected at the scene by investigators and Texas Department of Public Safety Rangers. The gunman used a .40 or .45-caliber handgun during the attack.
Surveillance footage captured the shooting, and authorities have released images of the suspect taken from security cameras. The images show an unidentified man in a blue t-shirt at the sports bar during the incident. Witnesses told investigators that prior to the shooting, the gunman was quietly sitting by himself drinking at the bar and was not conversing with anyone.
After the attack, Cantillano fled the scene in a white full-size construction-style van with no side windows and visible damage to the side panel and front bumper. Investigators believe he may also be using a green Toyota Corolla, though license plates for either vehicle have not been confirmed. The suspect lives near the sports bar and owns the white van that was seen fleeing the scene.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Cantillano’s home on Monday but did not find him. During a second visit to the residence later that day, 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 have not provided details about the evidence involved, citing the ongoing investigation.
Court records reveal Cantillano has an extensive 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 County include driving without a license and speeding, while cases in Harris, Fort Bend, and Galveston counties involve debt claims, toll road violations, and misdemeanor charges.
Authorities believe Cantillano may be traveling toward New Orleans, Louisiana, or Atlanta, Georgia, where he has ties. Federal involvement in the case is being discussed, with investigators confirming they have been in contact with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Sheriff Bobby Rader noted that community tips helped investigators identify Cantillano from surveillance footage.
Myers emphasized the danger posed by the fugitive, stating that authorities “do believe him to be dangerous, and we do believe him to be armed.” Law enforcement officials warned that anyone helping Cantillano hide could face charges, including aiding and abetting or failure to report a felony.
This incident marks the second mass shooting at a bar in the Houston metropolitan area this year. On March 23, 2025, six people were shot at the Latinas Sports Bar in southwest Houston, with four critically injured. Jose Miguel Briceno, a 25-year-old Venezuelan national, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault mass shooting in connection with that incident. A second suspect remains at large and is believed to have fled to Mexico.
Residents described Alas Locas as a family-friendly restaurant during the day that transforms into a bar after midnight. The establishment had no security personnel on site when the shooting occurred. Local residents expressed shock at the violence in their typically quiet community.
Anyone with information about Cantillano’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office at 936-336-4500 or their local law enforcement agency. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 800-392-7867. Authorities stress that the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached by civilians.
