Houston Police Department

August 2, 2005 -- Investigators of the Houston Police Homicide Division are seeking the public's help in locating a suspect charged with capital murder. Charges have been filed against the suspect, identified as Jesse Lopez Jr. (H/m DOB: 11-25-84), in the 262nd State District Court.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant W. Gonzales and Officers R. Cervantes, C. Scales and J. Sosa reported:

On April 2, 2005 about 1:35 a.m., Jesse Lopez Jr., his common-law wife and three other couples arrived at a local hamburger stand located at 1622 North Main. Shortly after their arrival, an argument erupted between the victim, Rudy Villanueva and a male in Lopez's group. Later, a second argument erupted between Villanueva and Lopez and quickly escalated to a physical fight between the two. After they were separated, Lopez produced a handgun and shot Villanueva multiple times. Lopez then approached Modesta Pena, who was with Villanueva, and shot her multiple times.

Villanueva, 49, was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where he later died. Pena, 34, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspect is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at (713) 308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS.

Updated: MES/NJM
8-02-05
NJM/JFC 4-2-05
Inc #049989905

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.