Family awarded nearly $2 million after FBI agent killed Houston man during rescue attempt in 2018

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- After seven years, a Houston man has found some closure following the tragic death of his father, who was shot by an FBI agent during a botched rescue mission in 2018. The Valladares family is set to receive nearly $2 million as part of a settlement related to the incident.

Ulises Valladares Jr. was just 12 years old when both he and his father were kidnapped on January 24, 2018. Tragically, that day became the last time he saw his father, who was later fatally shot as the FBI attempted to execute a rescue operation. Valladares Jr. reflects on his memories of his father, trying to hold onto the good times amidst the grief.

According to federal court documents, the FBI became involved after the hostages were separated and Valladares Sr. was moved to a new location. FBI agents Gaven Lappe and Jefferey Hawkins were dispatched to rescue the hostages. As they approached the house, Lappe fired two shots, mistakenly killing Valladares Sr., who was blindfolded and unarmed at the time.

Witness accounts stated that Lappe claimed Valladares Sr. had reached for his weapon, a claim that Valladares Jr. firmly disputes. He expressed his frustration with the FBI’s handling of the situation, feeling that the agents failed to take responsibility for their actions, opting instead to cover up their errors.

Ultimately, a federal judge found Lappe negligent and attributed Valladares Sr.'s death solely to the shots fired during the botched operation. While financial compensation offers some closure, the emotional pain for Valladares Jr. remains profound, especially knowing that the agent who took his father’s life continues to serve in the FBI.