BIG SPRING, Texas — A Texas man has been charged with murder following a fatal shooting involving an alleged home intruder, according to police.
The Big Spring Police Department said officers responded to a shooting at a residence late Friday night. Upon arrival, officers found 43-year-old Joel Adrian Florez and a 40-year-old woman outside the home.
Florez informed officers that a gunshot victim was inside the residence. The victim was later identified as 36-year-old Phillip Samuel Lozano.
Investigators determined that Lozano, who was reportedly armed, forced his way into the home and was subsequently shot by Florez. Lozano was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the investigation, police said there was probable cause to charge Florez with murder. Detectives obtained a warrant, and Florez was arrested on Saturday and booked into the Howard County Detention Center.
Authorities said it remains unclear whether Florez and Lozano were known to each other. The investigation is ongoing, and no additional details have been released at this time.
