Two Texas teenagers are facing murder charges after they allegedly opened fire on an apartment, believing a romantic rival was inside, only to kill the wrong man. The incident occurred early on the morning of March 18, when Fernando Amaya and Christopher Portillo Luna, both 17, fired nearly 100 bullets into the apartment complex in west Houston.
According to authorities, Amaya had become convinced that his girlfriend was cheating on him with another man who lived in the apartment. In a fit of rage, he reportedly threatened to shoot up the apartment, even telling his girlfriend that he planned to carry out the attack before ultimately ending his own life.
The two suspects, armed with an AK-style rifle, arrived at the apartment in the early hours of the morning, launching a barrage of bullets into the building. Police later found two victims. Marcos Cotto Torres, a 41-year-old man, was discovered lying unresponsive in an upstairs bedroom with multiple gunshot wounds, including shots to the back of his head. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim, who had been shot in the buttocks, was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The shooting was traced back to Amaya and Portillo Luna after investigators gathered surveillance footage from the scene, showing the suspects fleeing in a white SUV, which belonged to one of their family members. Police recovered 84 spent shell casings from the area, confirming that the pair had used an assault-style rifle in the attack.
During the investigation, police spoke to another occupant of the apartment, who informed them that Amaya’s girlfriend was dating another man who lived there. That man was believed to be the intended target of the shooting but was unharmed. The girlfriend later told authorities that Amaya had warned her he was going to shoot up the apartment, but at the time she did not take him seriously.
The tragic outcome of the shooting underscores the deadly consequences of jealousy and impulsive behavior. Amaya and Portillo Luna are now facing severe charges, including murder, in connection with the death of Cotto Torres. Both teens were arrested shortly after the shooting, with Amaya taken into custody within hours and Portillo Luna apprehended a few days later.
The shooting has shocked the local community, leaving many questioning how such an act of violence could stem from what appeared to be a personal dispute. Investigators are continuing to process the evidence and determine any further details surrounding the incident. Amaya and Portillo Luna are currently being held in jail, each on bonds exceeding $1 million. Their next court appearance is scheduled for April 29, where they will face formal charges. The authorities have vowed to pursue justice for the victim and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
As the case moves forward, the tragic death of Cotto Torres serves as a grim reminder of the risks posed by unchecked emotions and the destructive consequences of violence. The investigation continues, and the community remains in mourning over the loss of an innocent life.
