HOUSTON, TX — A Texas fugitive, John Martin Dixon, 46, was arrested Monday more than a month after allegedly shooting his neighbor, 18-year-old Emmanuel Menchaca, during a family guinea pig’s funeral.
The shooting occurred on the night of July 17 in Menchaca’s backyard. Menchaca was laying the guinea pig to rest when he and Dixon reportedly began arguing. The exact cause of the dispute remains unclear.
According to police reports, Dixon pulled out a gun and shot Menchaca in the torso in front of Menchaca’s younger brother, Evan. The teen was rushed to the ICU, where he spent 17 days recovering from life-threatening injuries.
Police responded immediately, seizing Dixon’s gun and interviewing witnesses. Menchaca identified Dixon in a photo lineup the following day. However, an arrest was not made for over a month.
Dixon was charged with two counts of aggravated assault on August 8 but failed to appear for a court hearing on August 11. This led to his addition to Texas’ Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list, with a $3,000 reward offered for his capture. He was labeled “ARMED and DANGEROUS.”
Dixon’s criminal history includes convictions for evading arrest and marijuana possession.
Menchaca’s mother expressed frustration with the charges, hoping for more severe penalties given the trauma her family endured.
“My children should’ve never gone through what they did. We’re here today to seek justice. Why did this happen?” she said.
The Harris County District Attorney, Sam Teare, said the investigation into the motive continues and noted that charges could be upgraded if more information emerges.
Dixon is now in Harris County jail and is scheduled for a court appearance in October.
