Investigators seek suspects in homicide

Police are seeking half a dozen suspects they believe were involved in a home invasion turned homicide that claimed the life of a Honduran national in Texico last week.

Elvin Osmin Orellanna Rivera died Nov. 25 from a single gunshot during a robbery at a home in the 500 block of Florence Street.

Because Rivera was an undocumented immigrant, his age was not known. Law enforcement has estimated he was in his late teens to early 20s.

District Attorney Matt Chandler said several witnesses police were unaware of have come forward in the last couple of days.

Witnesses to the shooting have accounted for between five and six male subjects who simultaneously invaded two trailer homes occupied by the victim and seven others.

The number of suspects has been difficult to pin down because, “It becomes difficult for an individual to count exactly how many individuals are participating in a home invasion due to the excitement and commotion,” Chandler said.

He said more suspects may be connected to the incident as the investigation progresses.

Chandler said the investigation is being conducted by the Major Crimes Unit, a consortium of area law enforcement which gives communities within the 9th Judicial District access to the experience, resources and expertise of multiple departments.

Police have said Rivera was shot and another resident was battered by the suspects during a robbery at gunpoint.

Investigators do believe the suspects are still in the area, Chandler said, though he declined to comment on whether or not the victims knew the suspects, if the crime was random or if police have identified the suspects.

The suspects were previously described as Hispanic males. One was wearing a black vest with a long-sleeved undershirt, and the others were reported to be wearing hoodie jackets.

Eight illegal immigrants who were victims and/or witnesses to the robbery and homicide were detained by immigration officials, police have said.

Chandler said several items of evidence have been forwarded to crime labs and police are continuing to receive information on the case.

“As the investigation continues and more individuals are coming forth with information, we believe that we are approaching that threshold of probable cause (for arrests),” he said.