NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Police documents allege a Nacogdoches robbery that left an 18-year-old dead and led to the arrests of seven people for capital murder began with a drug deal for THC vape pens.
Angel Bonilla, 18, of Nacogdoches, was killed inside a West California Street home that was struck by multiple gunshots on July 30. Police say investigators later determined that seven suspects had planned to rob the individuals at the residence on W. California St. while several people were at home.
The following are all charged with capital murder: Raul Molina Lopez, 20, of Nacogdoches; Nathan Joshua Sauceda, 21, of Nacogdoches; Santiago Mendoza, 19, of Nacogdoches; Gerardo Christopher Ocon, 21, of Nacogdoches; Lionso Antonio Torres, 19, of Nacogdoches; Eder Torres, 17, of Nacogdoches; and Martin H. Montalvo, 19, of Lufkin.
According to an arrest affidavit, an employee of a local restaurant gave police security video of a suspicious person who entered the business after shooting. The man, who was later identified as Montalvo, appeared to be disheveled with sticks, leaves and grass in his clothing. Montalvo used the restaurant's phone to call someone about an emergency. Montalvo was also seen on the video holding a box similar to a box of THC vapes found at the crime scene.
Through interviews with Montalvo and Ocon, investigators learned Ocon drove six people that he knows to the California Street residence. Ocon said the reason for that trip was for Martin to buy THC disposable vape pens. Ocon said he and Montalvo frequently went to this trailer home to purchase illegal narcotics, but this time Montalvo talked about robbing their dealer for his own gain, the affidavit read.
Ocon identified the other people involved in the robbery as Lopez, Sauceda, Eder Torres, Lionso Torres and Mendoza. Ocon said he drove the vehicle used in the robbery, while Montalvo and Sauceda entered the mobile home. Lionso and Eder Torres and Mendoza got out of the truck but remained outside. Ocon explained all of them had guns and he saw the Torreses and Mendoza fire shots into the house. Ocon drove away in the truck with Lopez, who had stayed in the truck, according to the affidavit.
Police officers spoke to the other suspects who confirmed that the robbery was planned prior to the incident. Lopez told police that he was instructed to tie up everyone inside the residence, but he ultimately stayed inside the truck. He said that only Montalvo and Sauceda entered the home, while the Torreses and Mendoza fired shots into the residence.
Police said three people were believed to have been struck by gunfire during the homicide. According to Nacogdoches police, officers recovered a large number of firearms while the arrest and search warrants.
"It is believed that this case involved the highest number of suspects ever in an NPD murder investigation," police said. "Throughout the course of this homicide investigation law enforcement personnel have dedicated over 1534 man hours to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice. We express our gratitude to the U.S. Marshals, Homeland Security, ATF, Nacogdoches Sheriff's Office, Lufkin Police, Center Police, U.S. Postal Inspector, U.S. Marshals, and the Nacogdoches Combined SWAT Team for their invaluable assistance in the investigation and warrant execution."