Wilman Sandoval: Texas man allegedly shoots his 2 family members over 'witchcraft' suspicions

HOUSTON, TEXAS: Wilman Sandoval, a 23-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of shooting two family members due to his belief that they were performing witchcraft on him on Sunday, January 14.

The victims, identified as his 17-year-old brother and the brother's 26-year-old fiancee, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were rushed to the hospital, with the young woman listed in "very critical condition" and the man in "serious condition."

Investigating Wilman Sandoval's alleged shooting spree

According to preliminary court records, Wilman Sandoval, motivated by a belief that his family was casting spells or practicing witchcraft on him, allegedly “got up off the couch” and “began firing a black handgun” in the family's Houston home.

The incident reportedly occurred as all family members were in the apartment, catching them by surprise.

Despite the alleged motive of witchcraft, investigators are diligently working to uncover the full details surrounding the shooting and what may have led to this disturbing incident.

Wilman Sandoval's brother takes bullet shielding fiancee

Sandoval has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault, and during his probable cause hearing on Monday, a judge set his bond at $250,000.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, addressing the media, explained that the suspect's brother had been shot while attempting to shield his fiancee from the sudden "senseless" burst of violence, as per Independent.

"We're told that a possible motive was that the alleged shooter may have suspected that family members were conducting some type of witchcraft on him, and he was upset about it," stated Sheriff Gonzalez.

"Apparently, this caught everyone by surprise because all the family members were here in the apartment." The victims, initially in critical condition, are now reported to be in "fair condition" and are expected to survive, as reported by FOX26.

Despite statements from the sheriff regarding Sandoval's belief in witchcraft, Senior Deputy Thomas M Gilliland stated that the motive behind the shooting remains unknown. The suspect who has not entered a plea for the three second-degree felony charges, as per available records, is scheduled to appear in court again on January 19.