Liberty County Officials Update on Manhunt for Suspect in Deadly Bar Shooting

Update on Deadly Bar Shooting

• 🚨 Officials provided an update on a shooting that occurred on September 7th, where six individuals were shot.
• 💔 Sadly, two people have died as a result of the shooting, with one deceased on scene and another passing away in the hospital.
• ✅ Three individuals with non-life-threatening injuries have been treated and released, and one person initially in critical condition has been moved to stable.

Suspect Information and Potential Locations

• 🔍 Law enforcement is actively searching for Jose Osman Aguilar Contalano, a 32-year-old Hispanic male, with a murder warrant for his arrest.
• 🗺️ Authorities believe the suspect may have left the area and are considering two possible destinations: Atlanta, Georgia, or New Orleans, Louisiana, where he is believed to have family.
• 🚗 Suspect may be driving a white van or a green Toyota Corolla, though license plates are not yet available.

Investigation and Community Involvement

• 🤝 The Liberty County Sheriff's Office, Texas Rangers, and the Liberty County District Attorney's Office are working collaboratively on the case.
• 🗣️ Tips from the community, after images of the suspect were posted, have been crucial in identifying the person of interest.
• ⚠️ Officials believe the suspect is dangerous and potentially armed, emphasizing the urgency of his arrest.

Suspect's Wife Arrested

• 🏠 A search warrant was executed at the suspect's residence, leading to the arrest of his wife for tampering with evidence.
• 🚫 Specific details leading to the tampering charge are not being released at this time.

Motive and Suspect Background

• ❓ No motive has been determined for the shooting at this time.
• 👤 The suspect was not a regular patron of the bar, and staff were largely unfamiliar with him.
• ⚖️ While the suspect has a history of arrests including resisting arrest, drug charges, and assault, the current investigation is focused on the facts of the shooting itself.
• 📞 Officials have contacted ICE regarding the suspect's legal status, and further investigation into this will occur after his apprehension.

Legal Proceedings and Potential Charges

• 📅 Charges were filed on Monday, September 8th, with a murder warrant issued for the suspect's arrest.
• ⚖️ Individuals found to be aiding or hiding the suspect could face charges such as hindering investigation, aiding and abetting, or failure to report a felony.