Collins Family Shares Harrowing Account of Deadly Prison Escape and Attack

The Tragic Escape

• ⛓️ A convicted murderer, Gonzalo Lopez, escaped from a prison bus en route from Gatesville to Huntsville on May 12th, 2022.
• ⚠️ Lopez, who was serving time for shooting a sheriff's deputy and murder, was not properly searched or restrained, leading to his escape.
• 🚨 He attacked a guard, stole the bus, and went on the run, disappearing into the countryside near Centerville.

Devastating Attack on the Collins Family

• 🏡 On June 2nd, 2022, Lopez found his way to the Collins family ranch in Centerville.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Mark Collins, his four grandsons (Whan, Hudson, Carson), and their cousin Bryce were victims of a deadly attack at the ranch.
• 💔 The family discovered the bodies after being unable to contact their loved ones, marking one of the deadliest prison escapes in recent history.

Aftermath and Grief

• 🔫 Lopez stole firearms and a truck from the family and remained on the run for weeks.
• 🚓 He was eventually killed in a shootout with police south of San Antonio.
• 😔 The Collins family is left to cope with unimaginable grief, the loss of their loved ones, and the futures that will never be.

Questions of Accountability

• ❓ While forgiving those who reached out, the family acknowledges that protocols were not followed, leading to the tragedy.
• ⚖️ There is a sense that mistakes were made and blame exists regarding the circumstances of the escape and subsequent attack.

Keeping Memories Alive

• 🙏 The family finds strength in their faith, each other, and community support.
• 🌟 Efforts are underway to keep the memory of Mark Collins and his grandsons alive, including community initiatives and advocacy at the state capital.