In the small incorporated city of East Bernard, residents mourn the loss of two community members after Friday night’s burglary turned double shooting homicide.
On Friday, Oct. 15, just before midnight, deputies with the Wharton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call in reference to a residential burglary at 16320 FM 1164 in East Bernard.
Upon making scene, law enforcement discovered 34-year-old John Vasquez Jr. and 35-year-old Blanca Vasquez were deceased and it was apparent that both victims had been shot.
Justice of the Peace Pct. 4, Judge Tim Drapela conducted an inquest and ordered an autopsy to be performed on the pair.
While the presumed cause of death is by gunshot wounds, the office is waiting for autopsy results from the Fort Bend County Medical Examiner’s Office.
This information comes as quite a shock to residents in the small town of approximately 2,500, and many are faced with fear of the suspect possibly striking again.
WCSO’s initial statement mentioned that investigators have located a person of interest.
The County Gin reached out to WCSO Captain B.J. Novak, who said they currently do not have anyone in custody, but have a strong person of interest.
“I don’t want to put any suspect information out there just yet, but we do have a good idea of who is responsible,” Novak told The Gin.
According to Novak, the office does not feel the culprit will strike again, and this couple was specifically targeted.
“I feel like it was a personal attack,” he told The Gin. “I do not think anyone else in the general public has anything to worry about at this point.”
Still, concerns from the public pour in through social media. Particularly, for students of the East Bernard Independent School District.
The WCSO said in its statement on social media, “Out of an abundance of caution, there will be additional presence by the Wharton County Sheriff’s Office and Wharton County Pct. 2 Constable’s Office in and around East Bernard ISD.”
Investigators continue to work on apprehending the one responsible, and anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact WCSO Sgt. Scott Grosser at 979-532-1550.
Novak told The Gin, “We want to find out who did it, and get them into custody as quickly as possible to put this case to bed.”
The County Gin will continue to closely follow this case and will report as information becomes publicly available.
