2 teenagers charged in deadly shooting at Alief-area apartment over alleged love triangle

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Authorities have arrested two teenage suspects, 17-year-olds Christopher Portillo Luna and Fernando Amaya, in connection with the murder of 41-year-old Marcos Cotto Torres, stemming from a love triangle involving Amaya and his girlfriend. The victim's family contends that Torres was innocent and had no romantic involvement with Amaya's girlfriend.

The shooting occurred in the early hours of March 18 at the Alief Square apartments, where Torres was found dead outside his residence. Court records reveal that Amaya and Luna, armed with an AK-style rifle, fired 84 rounds at the apartment, injuring Torres' roommate in the process. Following the shooting, the suspects fled the scene in a white SUV, with Amaya being apprehended later that day.

Prosecutors have outlined a motive for the crime, suggesting that Amaya, driven by jealousy and emotional turmoil over his girlfriend's perceived infidelity, threatened to kill both himself and her before allegedly turning his weapon on Torres. Luna reportedly participated in the attack out of loyalty to Amaya.

Torres' sister expressed disbelief at any suggestion of her brother's involvement in a love triangle, asserting that he lived a quiet life. She emphasized her family's devastation over the loss, adding that they are struggling to come to terms with the situation. Neighbors also reported being unaware of the shooting, indicating a quiet community atmosphere.

Both Luna and Amaya face charges of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon due to the injury inflicted on Torres' roommate. Additionally, Amaya has been charged with holding his girlfriend at gunpoint over allegations of infidelity. His total bond amounts to $1,150,000.