Manhunt underway for suspect in two murders, shootings

CEDAR HILL, Texas - There is an intense manhunt underway for a man accused of two overnight murders and five shootings.

Police are searching for Silvestre Franco-Luviano, whose crime spree started around 10:30 p.m. Sunday. Police in Dallas and Cedar Hill got calls about someone firing shots at vehicles near Interstate 20 and Spur 408.

One man, 23-year-old Ruben Moreno, was in a Hummer when he was shot and killed. Several other people suffered non-life threatening injuries. And some were narrowly missed, but their vehicles were damaged.

A second man lost his life at the Texaco gas station on Highway 67 and Cooper Street. Witnesses said the suspect drove up next to 44-year-old Welton Betts as he was pumping gas, shot and killed him.

The suspect forced Betts’ wife out of the car and stole it. She was not hurt.

Police believe the suspect then drove south and broke into a home in the 800 block of Ash Lane. He stole another car and took off.

Later Monday, police said they were investigating a kidnapping near Georgetown, Texas that is believed to involve Luviano. Police in Georgetown say they recovered a Lexus used in a kidnapping there that matches a vehicle stolen from North Texas.

The victim in the Georgetown kidnapping was found unharmed, but Luviano is still missing.

The family of victim Welton Betts lives in Corsicana, where he lived with his wife of many years. Betts was a father with adult children and also had a younger brother.

His family members were overcome with shock and grief and opted not to do an on-camera interview, but did tell FOX4 they have no idea who the suspect is and don’t know why Betts was killed. Betts’ brother described him as an incredibly kind hearted family man.

Dallas police, the sheriff’s department and the FBI are now helping Cedar Hill police as they actively search for the suspect. Luviano is considered armed and extremely dangerous.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the Cedar Hill Police Department.