57-Year-Old Carlos Ruben Cruz Arrested in Connection with Shooting Death of John Michael Adauto

ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Carlos Ruben Cruz, aged 57, was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the shooting death of John Michael Adauto, aged 38. Cruz is now facing charges of Murder and Theft of a Firearm. New details about the deadly shooting have emerged from an affidavit.

According to court records, on November 28 at around 4:24 p.m., officers responded to a home on Clover Avenue after reports of a gunshot victim. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Adauto in the front yard with a gunshot wound to his head. Tragically, medical personnel later pronounced him dead at the scene.

Inside the house, investigators found Cruz armed with a gun. He surrendered his weapon without any resistance and was taken into custody for questioning. During the investigation, officers spoke to Adauto’s sister-in-law, who stated that she had arrived at the home to pick up the victim. She explained that Adauto had been arguing with his uncle, Cruz. When she arrived, she found both men near Cruz’s truck, where Cruz was searching for drugs.

The witness reported that when Cruz couldn’t find his drugs, he began searching Adauto. Cruz then claimed that Adauto had hidden the drugs in his own pockets. At that point, Cruz allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot his nephew in the face. Investigators discovered that the gun used in the shooting had been reported stolen from Monahans, but Cruz refused to comment on how he had acquired the firearm.

Cruz is now being held at the Ector County Law Enforcement Center, where he remains on a combined bond of $1,006,000.

This tragic incident has shocked the community, as loved ones mourn the loss of John Michael Adauto. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and authorities are working to gather all the necessary evidence to build a strong case against Carlos Ruben Cruz.