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An escaped murderer is believed to be connected to the murders of two adults and three children this week in Centerville, Texas, a small town between Dallas and Houston, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The murders occurred in the area where Gozalo Lopez, a convicted murderer, escaped from prison last month, launching a massive manhunt.
Authorities found the bodies Thursday while conducting a welfare check at the home at the request of a relative.
A 1999 white Chevrolet Silverado was also missing from the home, which Lopez may have stolen. The license plate is DPV4520.
Gonzalo Lopez, convicted murderer, escaped a prison transport bus on May 12. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice)
TEXAS ESCAPED KILLER GONZALO LOPEZ TATTOOS SEEN IN NEW PHOTOS; MANHUNT REACHES DAY 20
Lopez, who is associated with the Mexican mafia, escaped custody on May 12 after getting out of his restraints while being transported in a bus for high-risk inmates in a rural area near Centerville.
He is accused of cutting through a metal cage and stabbing a correction officer behind the wheel, temporarily stealing the bus before a second guard shot out the tires and the vehicle crashed. Lopez was last seen running into the woods off Highway 7.
TEXAS OFFICIALS RELEASE IMAGES OF ESCAPED KILLER GONZALO LOPEZ IN RESTRAINTS ON MORNING OF GETAWAY
He is believed to be armed, the department said and is one of Texas’ 10 most-wanted fugitives.
Gonzalo Lopez is heavily tattooed and his ink includes “Aztlan” across his lower back and the word “Gonzo” on his stomach. (U.S. Marshals Service )
Hundreds of law enforcement on foot and horseback have been involved in the search in what officials have said is considered the largest concentrated manhunt in decades.
In 1996, Lopez was convicted of two counts of aggravated assault and received two eight-year sentences. In 2006, he was convicted of capital murder and aggravated kidnapping and was sentenced to life in prison. Lopez received a second life sentence after he was convicted for attempted capital murder in 2007.
Gonzalo Lopez is believed to have stolen a 1999 white Chevrolet Silverado from the home where the five bodies were found. The license plate is DPV4520. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice)
ALABAMA GOV. IVEY DOLES OUT REWARD PAYMENT AFTER MURDER SUSPECT CASEY WHITE MANHUNT AND RECAPTURE
“The Marshals Service has elevated Gonzalo Lopez to major case status and is contributing up to $10,000 toward his capture,” U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Texas Susan Pamerleau said in a May 25 statement. “We sincerely hope this money will serve as an incentive for someone who knows something to do the right thing and contact us. The sooner we get him back into custody, the better.”
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In addition to the $10,000 from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Texas Department of Public Safety is offering $35,000, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is offering $5,000.
Fox News’ Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.
Source: www.foxnews.com