HOUSTON, TX – A Houston man affiliated with a local gang will spend the remainder of his life in prison for his involvement in a series of violent incidents that claimed five lives, Texas authorities confirmed.

Christian Ivan Cavazos, 22, was handed a life sentence on Friday for a deadly crime spree that began in September 2019. This decision comes after prosecutors detailed the harrowing events that marked his violent actions in a press release from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

“This man’s senseless violence has left countless families without peace,” said Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. “Justice in this case means ensuring he cannot further harm our community. Life in prison is the justice he deserved.”

On September 6, 2019, Cavazos was riding as a passenger with several men. After spotting another vehicle with young men inside, he opened fire, wounding the driver and forcing the car to stop near the industrial area of Jersey Village, a Houston suburb. Cavazos then approached the vehicle and shot 19-year-old Ryan McGowan, who was sitting in the back seat.

Less than three weeks later, Cavazos and his associates targeted a purple Dodge Charger, mistakenly believing it belonged to a rival gang member. On the night of September 25, 2019, in northwest Houston, as Ramiro Reyes, 65, and his wife, Rosalva Reyes, 63, exited the vehicle after returning from the hospital where Rosalva’s mother had passed away, Cavazos fatally shot them both.

The violence continued three months later, on December 27, 2019. In the northern part of Harris County, Cavazos engaged in a drive-by shooting on the set of a music video. The assault led to the deaths of Jonathan Jimenez, 20, and videographer Gonzalo Andrew Gonzalez, 22, with seven others wounded amidst the chaos on Smart Street.

Cavazos faced a capital murder charge, which could have resulted in the death penalty. Ultimately, he pleaded guilty to three counts of murder. During his sentencing, the scope of his crimes was laid bare as prosecutors described the events that led to the deaths of five individuals.

“Christian Cavazos is a perilous individual, and he received a fitting sentence,” said Assistant District Attorney Napoleon Stewart, who prosecuted the case. “His actions have left behind many innocent victims, and while we cannot undo the damage, we can ensure that justice has been served for those affected.”

The life sentence ensures that Cavazos will remain behind bars, unable to inflict further harm on the community.