Downtown Houston aquarium shooting suspect was free from jail on multiple bonds

Loading Video…

This browser does not support the Video element.

Suspect in downtown Houston aquarium shooting had lengthy criminal history

The 39-year-old man who opened fire on a couple at the downtown Houston aquarium had a lengthy criminal history dating back 20 years. FOX 26 Reporter Randy Wallace has more.

According to police, 39-year-old Danny Cazares had no relationship with the couple also seated at the bar in the downtown Houston Aquarium Thursday night.

They say for some unknown reason, Cazares shot and killed 28-year-old Gabriel Vargas, wounded Vargas’s 24-year-old wife, then turned the gun on himself.

In a tweet on Friday night, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said Cazares also had a history of mental illness.

"I don’t care how many police officers you had, it would not have prevented that incident from occurring," said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Last April, Cazares was freed from jail on bond for felon in possession of weapon. He was reportedly in a bar on Richmond high on meth.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS UPDATES, DOWNLOAD THE FOX 26 NEWS APP

In October of 2020, Cazares got a bond for criminal mischief after he allegedly tore up a motel room.

He also had a third bond for criminal trespass at a Cy-Fair Fire Station.

SIGN UP FOR FOX 26 HOUSTON EMAIL ALERTS

"Things are just happening all over and we just have to do everything we can to keep people safe," Turner said.