Violent Home Invasion Leads to Fatal Shooting in Montgomery County

On January 25, 2024, at around 3:20 a.m., Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Splendora Police Department Officers responded to a distress call reporting an assault with a firearm in the 22000 block of Morgan Cemetery Road, Cleveland, Texas.

The emergency call was made by a female resident who informed 911 that three masked males had entered her home, shooting her husband multiple times before fleeing. Splendora Police Officers, in close proximity, spotted a vehicle occupied by three males speeding and pulling into a nearby gas station.

Officers attempted to engage with the suspects, but two of them evaded in the vehicle, leaving the third at the gas station. A pursuit ensued, leading to a crash at U.S. 59 and Fostoria Road. Both fleeing suspects were apprehended after a brief foot chase.

The three suspects, identified as 26-year-old Andre Franklin, 27-year-old Derrick Wilson, and 23-year-old Jose Gutierrez, all residents of Houston, Texas, are facing charges of Capital Murder. All three have prior convictions and extensive criminal histories for violent offenses in Harris County.

The victim, 37-year-old Steven Santillan from Montgomery County, Texas, lost his life in the incident.

The circumstances and motive behind this event are currently under investigation by the Homicide and Violent Crimes Division, with Crime Scene Investigators actively involved at the scene.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office expresses gratitude to the Splendora Police Department, Patton Village Police Department, and Precinct 4 Constables Office for their assistance in handling the situation.