Dallas, October 27, 2025
News Summary
Dallas police have identified 26-year-old Arnold Sustaita Zapata as a suspect in the murder of Juvenal Antero, who was shot while defending his family during a home invasion. The incident took place during the afternoon, where suspects posed as residents needing help to gain entry. Antero’s wife and young son were present during the tragic event. Authorities are seeking public assistance in locating the suspect and the others involved.
Dallas
Nearly two years after the fatal shooting, Dallas police have identified 26-year-old Arnold Sustaita Zapata as a suspect in the murder of Juvenal Antero. The identification follows an investigation into a December 2023 home invasion that left Antero dead while he was defending his family.
What happened
Antero was shot and killed on December 30, 2023, while defending his family during a home invasion at their apartment on South St. Augustine Drive. The assault occurred shortly after 2:30 p.m. and took place in front of Antero’s wife, Elizabel Cardenas, and their 4-year-old son. Police responded to the scene and Antero was pronounced dead at the hospital after being transported for medical treatment.
The suspects gained entry after appearing to need help at the door. The initial entry into the apartment involved the criminals posing as residents needing assistance, asking for a plunger. After being let in, the men forced their way inside with a gun. Antero attempted to protect his family and managed to return fire before succumbing to his injuries.
Suspect information and evidence
Dallas police released surveillance video showing three men fleeing the scene in a red vehicle. Investigators believe the suspects used a four-door red Kia Soul in the commission of the crime. Surveillance video released by Dallas police showed three men fleeing the scene in a red vehicle.
Arnold Sustaita Zapata is described as 6’2″, approximately 260 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Two additional suspects were described as one male wearing all black with a mask and another possibly with a mustache and glasses, alongside a Black male wearing a red hoodie.
Victim and family impact
The shooting occurred while Antero was defending his pregnant wife and young son. Cardenas was pregnant at the time and Antero would never meet his unborn daughter. Cardenas later expressed a small sense of relief at the identification of a suspect but continues to seek justice while raising two children alone.
Law enforcement appeal and public help
Dallas police are appealing for public assistance in locating Zapata and the other suspects involved in the case. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers, which is offering a reward for details leading to an arrest.
Timeline and key facts
- Incident date: December 30, 2023
- Time of shooting: shortly after 2:30 p.m.
- Location: apartment on South St. Augustine Drive, Dallas
- Vehicle believed used: four-door red Kia Soul
- Number of suspects seen fleeing on video: three
- Suspect identified by police: 26-year-old Arnold Sustaita Zapata
Next steps in the investigation
Authorities continue to seek tips that could lead to the locations of the identified suspect and the additional suspects. The appeal is active and the Crime Stoppers reward remains available for information that leads to an arrest.
FAQ
Who has been identified as a suspect?
Nearly two years after the fatal shooting, Dallas police have identified 26-year-old Arnold Sustaita Zapata as a suspect in the murder of Juvenal Antero.
When and where did the shooting occur?
Antero was shot and killed on December 30, 2023, while defending his family during a home invasion at their apartment on South St. Augustine Drive.
How did the suspects enter the apartment?
The initial entry into the apartment involved the criminals posing as residents needing assistance, asking for a plunger.
What did the victim do during the incident?
Antero attempted to protect his family and managed to return fire before succumbing to his injuries.
What evidence did police release?
Surveillance video released by Dallas police showed three men fleeing the scene in a red vehicle.
What vehicle is believed to have been used?
Investigators believe the suspects used a four-door red Kia Soul in the commission of the crime.
How are the suspects described?
Arnold Sustaita Zapata is described as 6’2″, approximately 260 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Are there descriptions of other suspects?
Two additional suspects were described as one male wearing all black with a mask and another possibly with a mustache and glasses, alongside a Black male wearing a red hoodie.
What is the current appeal from law enforcement?
Dallas police are appealing for public assistance in locating Zapata and the other suspects involved in the case.
Is there a reward for information?
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers, which is offering a reward for details leading to an arrest.
| Key Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Suspect identified | Arnold Sustaita Zapata, 26 years old |
| Victim | Juvenal Antero |
| Date of incident | December 30, 2023 |
| Location | Apartment on South St. Augustine Drive, Dallas |
| Time | Shortly after 2:30 p.m. |
| Vehicle seen on video | Four-door red Kia Soul |
| Number of suspects on video | Three men |
| Reward | Crime Stoppers reward available for tips leading to an arrest |
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Additional Resources
- WFAA: Dallas Police Identify Suspect in Home Invasion
- Fox 4 News: Suspect in 2023 Capital Murder Identified
- NBC DFW: Dallas Police Investigating Deadly Shooting
- Dallas News: More Details on Fatal Pleasant Grove Shooting
- Fox 4 News: Dallas Shooting on St. Augustine Drive
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
