HOUSTON, TX – A man with a notorious criminal history is back in custody following a fatal shooting over the weekend. Andres Fernandez de La Paz, a 36-year-old Cuban national, is accused of murdering his ex-brother-in-law in broad daylight, an incident captured on surveillance video. The footage shows Fernandez de La Paz firing a gun as soon as the door opened, striking 34-year-old victim in the chest. The victim, a father and husband, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Fernandez de La Paz has a checkered past, with accusations of involvement in credit card skimming operations and previous murder charges. In 2017, prosecutors dismissed a murder case against him, citing self-defense. Since 2022, he has allegedly been orchestrating a credit card skimming network across Texas, with law enforcement sources revealing an ongoing FBI investigation prior to his latest arrest.
In 2023, Fernandez de La Paz was apprehended in Sour Lake, Texas, with skimming devices found during a traffic stop. Despite these allegations, no federal charges have been filed. He was also reportedly caught using stolen credit card data at a retail chain, leading to his detention in Fort Bend County Jail. He was released twice, despite having an ICE detainer, due to the Cuban government’s refusal to accept his deportation.
The victim’s family is left grappling with the tragedy. His wife described him as a wonderful person and a devoted father, expressing disbelief over the loss. She is now calling for justice, urging authorities to ensure Fernandez de La Paz receives the maximum sentence for his actions.
ICE confirmed that Fernandez de La Paz has been residing in the U.S. illegally since 2016 and was ordered to be deported in 2019. However, his removal was stalled by Cuba’s refusal to accept him. Under U.S. law, ICE cannot detain individuals for more than six months if their deportation is not feasible, leading to his release back into the community.
Currently, Fernandez de La Paz is being held in the Harris County Jail without bond, following a judge’s decision earlier today. An ICE detainer has been placed on him once more, and the FBI’s investigation into his activities continues.