Ex-boyfriend takes his own life at woman’s memorial after being suspected of her murder

A 20-year-old man from Texas took his own life at the scene where he allegedly killed his girlfriend, just days after she ended their relationship. The tragic incident occurred in front of a police officer who had responded to a call about a suspicious male near the victim’s makeshift memorial. The suspect, identified as Juan Carlos Mata, used a shotgun to end his life at an apartment complex in Pasadena, outside Houston.

During a news conference, the police revealed that the location where Mata committed suicide was the same place where he had waited for Lesley Reyes to return home from work on Monday night. It was at this spot that he shot and killed her after she had broken up with him. Following the shooting, Mata remained at the crime scene until the police arrived. However, he managed to escape before they could apprehend him, leaving the officers to attend to the deceased victim.

Law enforcement launched a manhunt for Mata after he fled the crime scene. Despite searching nearby fields and circulating his picture, the police were unable to gather any information about his whereabouts. However, in a shocking turn of events, Mata returned to the scene, where he ultimately took his own life.

According to the victim’s family, the couple had been in a toxic relationship, which ended last month after a year of dating. They described Mata as being obsessed with Reyes and expressed their devastation over the tragedy. Reyes’ sister, Lourdes Martinez, revealed that Mata did not want to see her with someone else, indicating his possessive nature.

The neighborhood was left in shock by the shooting, with one resident recounting the chilling sound of the victim’s screams. The incident has left the community reeling, unable to comprehend how someone who appeared happy could meet such a tragic end.

Lesley Reyes, a 19-year-old described as a “bright and beautiful soul,” was taken from her loved ones far too soon. The devastating loss has prompted a fundraising campaign to support her family during this difficult time.