Homicide Investigation Update
APD Case #2024-501338
Date of Incident: January 24, 2024
On January 24, 2024, at approximately 11:00 p.m., officers with the Amarillo Police Department responded to a reported shooting at a residence in the 800 block of North Highland. Upon arrival, officers located 23-year-old Everardo Guadalupe Leal suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately began lifesaving measures; however, Leal was later pronounced deceased by Amarillo Medical Services (AMS).
Shortly thereafter, officers were dispatched to a second shooting in the 800 block of North Apache. At that location, a second adult male was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was listed in critical but stable condition. Investigators determined the two shootings were connected and involved related victims.
The investigation revealed the violence stemmed from an altercation that occurred earlier that evening, at approximately 10:00 p.m., at the Grand Street Walmart.
The Amarillo Police Department Homicide Unit conducted an extensive investigation that continued for more than two years. The case was supported by the APD PACE Unit, APD SWAT, the Amarillo Regional Crime Center (ARCC), the Potter County SWAT Team, the FBI CAST Unit, Texas Department of Public Safety – Criminal Investigations Division (DPS-CID), and the U.S. Marshals Service. Following completion of the investigation, the case was presented to the Potter County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
On January 15, 2026, Isaac Botello, 23, was convicted in Potter County District Court and sentenced to 60 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) for the murder of Everardo Guadalupe Leal.
On February 2, 2026, Jorge Fabian Cabello, 23, pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 25 years in TDCJ for his role in Leal’s death.
Jonathan Lopez, 29, who was involved in the initial assault at the Grand Street Walmart and present during the homicide, fled the scene. Through the course of the investigation, Lopez was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance. On February 13, 2026, Lopez pleaded guilty to Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Enhanced) and was sentenced to 23 years in TDCJ.
This case reflects the continued commitment of the Amarillo Police Department and its law enforcement partners to pursue justice and hold violent offenders accountable.
