Valente Abeldano Perez Rusk County, Texas Shooting – On Sunday, December 21, 2025, a shooting incident at an intersection in Henderson, Rusk County, Texas, left one woman injured and authorities searching for the suspect, later identified as 50-year-old Valente “Mauricio” Abeldano Perez. The event prompted a multi-agency response and continues to be under investigation.
Details of the Shooting
The Henderson Police Department responded to emergency calls reporting a shooting at the intersection of FM 225 South and Highway 79 South. According to initial reports, a woman was shot while inside her vehicle. Emergency responders transported the victim to a nearby hospital for treatment. As of December 22, 2025, authorities have not released her identity or provided updates regarding her medical condition.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the victim’s vehicle parked at the intersection as emergency personnel arrived. Officers secured the area, and traffic was temporarily diverted while the investigation began. Police confirmed that the suspect, Valente Abeldano Perez, fled the scene in a truck following the shooting.
Search and Discovery of the Suspect
Following the incident, law enforcement launched a coordinated search for Perez. The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office worked alongside the Texas Department of Public Safety, Rusk County Constables, and local police to locate the suspect. Authorities conducted a thorough canvassing of surrounding areas, including residential neighborhoods and rural roads, in an effort to apprehend him.
Later on Sunday, Perez was found deceased on a vacant lot near County Road 482. The circumstances of his death remain under investigation, with officials withholding the cause pending autopsy results. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have stated that no further information will be released until more details are confirmed.
Investigation and Criminal History
The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into both the shooting and Perez’s subsequent death. Investigators are examining the chain of events leading up to the incident, the motive behind the shooting, and any connections Perez may have had with the victim. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether Perez had any prior arrests, criminal history, or ongoing legal matters.
Law enforcement officials have asked anyone with information about the incident or who may have witnessed events near FM 225 South and Highway 79 South on December 21, 2025, to contact the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office. Tips and leads are being considered crucial in piecing together the circumstances surrounding both the shooting and the suspect’s death.
Community Impact and Safety Measures
The incident has prompted concern among Henderson residents, with local authorities emphasizing the importance of public safety and vigilance. Police have increased patrols in the area and continue to encourage community members to report any suspicious activity. As investigations continue, law enforcement remains committed to providing updates and ensuring the safety of residents in Rusk County.
This tragic event underscores the unpredictable nature of violent incidents and the challenges faced by law enforcement in responding to emergencies while conducting thorough investigations.
