RUSK COUNTY, Texas — The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man accused of shooting a woman at a Henderson intersection on Sunday as 50-year-old Valente Abeldano Perez. Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez noted that the suspect was also known by the name Mauricio, a detail shared as officials work to piece together the events surrounding the violent encounter.

According to investigators, Perez allegedly shot a woman near the intersection of FM 225 South and Highway 79 South before fleeing the scene in a truck. Law enforcement immediately launched a search effort, which ended when deputies located Perez dead in an empty lot off County Road 482. The truck he reportedly used to escape was found beside him.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of Perez’s death, stressing that autopsy results will be necessary to determine how he died. Officials said that until those findings are released, many questions remain unanswered about the final moments leading up to the discovery.

The woman who was shot has not been publicly identified, and her current condition has not been detailed; however, the Henderson Police Department confirmed she remains hospitalized. Her injuries and her recovery remain areas of concern for investigators and the community, who are seeking clarity on the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Sheriff Valdez stated that it is still unclear whether Perez had a criminal history or previous arrests. As law enforcement continues to examine his background and motivations, the lack of available information leaves open the possibility that more details could emerge in the coming days.

The investigation into both the shooting and Perez’s death is ongoing. Officials have not disclosed a motive, and they are urging anyone with knowledge of the events to contact authorities. As the community awaits further updates, many hope the autopsy and continued inquiry will provide answers in a case marked by tragedy and uncertainty.