Four Suspects Identified After Teen Shot During Aggravated Robbery in Liberty County

LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas – Four suspects have been identified in the shooting of a 17-year-old boy during an aggravated robbery in Liberty County, authorities said.

Deputies with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office responded at approximately 7 p.m. January 31, 2026, to the Rancho San Vicente neighborhood off County Road 341 in Cleveland, Texas, where the teen was found suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Deputies began lifesaving measures until emergency medical personnel arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is listed in stable condition.

Initially, no suspects were known. Investigators said the victim provided limited but critical information that helped advance the case. The Criminal Investigation Division assumed the investigation and identified four individuals believed to be involved.

On February 4, an arrest warrant was issued for Mariano Santos, 17, of the Cleveland area. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Liberty County Jail. On February 6, an arrest warrant was issued for Edgar Jauregui, 19, also of the Cleveland area. Both have been charged with Aggravated Robbery, a first-degree felony.

Two additional suspects, a juvenile female and a 17-year-old male, both from the Cleveland area, have been identified. Charges are pending, and the case will be presented to the Liberty County Grand Jury. Investigators also said evidence uncovered during the robbery investigation links one suspect to additional criminal activity, with further charges pending.

Lt. Bennett said the Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase in violent crime in recent weeks, with investigators handling 11 aggravated robbery cases over the past month. Six arrests have been made, and at least two more are expected.

“Our Patrol Division, Interdiction Unit and CID have been working nonstop to get a handle on this spike in violent offenses,” Bennett said. “The teamwork is what has led to these quick arrests. We are going to stay on top of this and continue putting pressure on the individuals bringing this violence into our communities.”

The investigation remains ongoing.