A Texas man is in police custody after shooting his brother and fiancée on Sunday due to allegations of them using witchcraft on him.
According to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, 23-year-old Wilman Sandoval shot his 26-year-old fiancée multiple times. His 17-year-old brother tried to help her get away but was also shot in the process. Investigators stated that the 17-year-old tried to help his brother’s fiancée, even though he had also been shot.
Both victims were taken to the hospital. His brother was reported to be in serious condition, while the fiancée was reported to be in critical condition. Both victims are expected to survive.
Update: both victims are in fair condition and expected to survive. The alleged shooter, Wilman Sandoval (9-10-2000), has been arrested and charged with three counts of Aggravated Assault. The wounded included Wilman’s brother (17) and Wilman’s fiancée (26). https://t.co/EXRkkqddqV
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) January 15, 2024
The incident occurred at the Coronado Park apartments on Fallbrook Drive around 4 p.m., where officers recovered a gun at the scene. Sandoval was taken into custody where he was charged with three counts of aggravated assault.
Gonzalez reported that the shooting had something to do with witchcraft.
“The alleged shooter was upset and concerned because he thought or was speculating that his family members may have been conducting some kind of witchcraft on him,” said Gonzalez.
According to Gonzalez, five family members lived in the apartment, but no one else was injured.
Investigators are currently searching the apartment complex for possible witnesses who have information that could shed light on the case. They are also looking into Sandoval’s background to determine if he has had prior mental illnesses or a criminal background.
The incident is still under investigation.
While cases revolving around witchcraft in the U.S. are rare, they do occur. Last year, in February, a Georgia man who claimed to be a “witch doctor” was accused of assaulting several women.
Hassan Shalgheen, 44, was accused of threatening his victims with calling immigration enforcement if they went to authorities.
Shalgheen would have possibly gotten away with his crimes if one of his victims didn’t come forward. The victim claimed that she had gone to see the assailant for a “cleansing,” when he assaulted her. He was arrested on Feb. 6.
According to Blaze, a total of seven victims have come forward.
