NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Nacogdoches robbery, which killed an 18-year-old and resulted in seven charges for capital murder, began with a drug trade for THC vape pens, Police documents stated.
On July 30, Angel Bonilla, 18, of Nacogdoches, was slain inside a home on West California Street after being shot numerous times. Police said investigators eventually discovered that seven suspects planned to rob the residents at the property on W. California St. while several others were there.
The following have all been charged with capital murder: Raul Molina Lopez, 20, Nacogdoches; Nathan Joshua Sauceda, 21, Nacogdoches; Santiago Mendoza, 19, Nacogdoches; Gerardo Christopher Ocon, 21, Nacogdoches; Lionso Antonio Torres, 19, Nacogdoches; Eder Torres, 17, Nacogdoches; and Martin H. Montalvo, 19, Lufkin.
According to an arrest document, an employee at a local restaurant provided police with security footage of a suspicious person who entered the establishment after firing. The individual, eventually identified as Montalvo, was unkempt, with branches, leaves, and grass in his clothes. Montalvo used the restaurant’s phone to contact someone regarding an emergency. Montalvo was also caught on film clutching a box comparable to the THC vapes discovered at the crime scene.
Investigators found from interviews with Montalvo and Ocon that Ocon drove six persons he knew to the California Street apartment. Ocon stated that Martin’s reason for the trip was to purchase THC disposable vape pens. According to the affidavit, Ocon and Montalvo frequented this trailer house to buy illegal narcotics, but this time Montalvo discussed robbing their dealer for personal benefit.
Ocon identified the other robbers as Lopez, Sauceda, Eder Torres, Lionso Torres, and Mendoza. Ocon claimed he drove the vehicle used in the robbery, while Montalvo and Sauceda entered the mobile home. Lionso, Eder Torres, and Mendoza stepped out of the truck but remained outside.
Ocon claimed that they all had guns, and he observed the Torreses and Mendoza fire shots into the home. According to the affidavit, Ocon drove away in the truck with Lopez, who remained inside.
Police officials spoke with the other suspects, who verified that the robbery was planned previous to the occurrence. Lopez told authorities that he was commanded to tie up everyone inside the house, but he eventually stayed in the truck. He said that only Montalvo and Sauceda entered the home, while the Torreses and Mendoza fired rounds inside.
Police suspect three persons were struck by gunfire during the crime. According to Nacogdoches police, authorities seized a substantial number of guns while serving arrest and search warrants.
“It is believed that this case involved the highest number of suspects ever in an NPD murder investigation,” officers stated. “Throughout this tragic investigation, law enforcement personnel have spent over 1534 man hours to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
We thank 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 crucial cooperation with the investigation and warrant execution.”