In a shocking incident from Texas, a 21-year-old man was arrested after allegedly killing his roommate during an argument over rent. The suspect had been staying in the home rent-free for months before the deadly dispute happened.
Who Was Involved in the Incident?
The accused, Angel Gomez Montanez, was wanted by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for the murder of 18-year-old Christopher Rodriguez Lara. The two were not just roommates—they were also family.
Montanez had been allowed to stay on the couch at the apartment where Lara lived with his relatives. His sister, Zuleyka Ortiz, shared that he was given a place to stay out of kindness.
What Happened on the Night of the Shooting?
On the night of June 12, around 10 p.m., police responded to reports of a shooting on Butte Creek Road in Harris County. When they arrived, they found Rodriguez Lara with multiple gunshot wounds. He died at the scene, despite emergency responders arriving quickly.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed that the incident started with an argument over rent. Montanez had been staying at the home for three months without paying. When the family finally asked him to contribute financially, things took a deadly turn.
Events Leading to the Tragedy
According to Ortiz, Montanez was told they needed help with rent. He packed his belongings and left the home a few days before the shooting. However, he returned and asked to speak with Rodriguez Lara. That’s when he allegedly shot Lara at the front door of the apartment.
Montanez also tried to shoot Lara’s brother and reportedly threatened others in the home. A 9-year-old child who was nearby heard Montanez say, “I’m going to kill all of them,” before he left the scene.
After the Crime and Arrest
Montanez went into hiding after the murder, but after two days, law enforcement officers arrested him and charged him with murder. He was taken to Harris County Jail, where he now awaits trial.
The family is devastated by the loss. Ortiz described Rodriguez Lara as “the happiness in this home.” He was loved deeply by the children in the family and played a big role in their daily lives.
This tragic story is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly family disputes can turn deadly, especially when tension builds over money matters. A home that once offered support and shelter ended up becoming the scene of a tragedy.
Now, one young life has been lost, and another faces a future behind bars. Authorities continue their investigation, and the family is left to grieve and heal from this unexpected and violent loss.
