HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — The father of a man accused of murdering a teenager at a hotel party has been charged in connection to the case.
Juan Pablo Cabrera, 34, was charged Tuesday with obstructing police by lying during a homicide investigation in connection to the Feb. 16 shooting death of 14-year-old Troy "T.J." Wells of Holland.
His son,18-year-old Juan Sandro Cabrera, has been charged with open murder, weapons and gang-related charges.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office said Juan Pablo Cabrera will remain in custody and additional charges are likely in the homicide investigation.
Juan Sandro Cabrera used an AR-15 in the shooting, authorities said in court records. Photos posted on Snapchat moments before the shooting show Juan Sandro Cabrera and another young man with bandannas over their faces and holding assault rifles, Capt. Mark Bennett confirmed.
The shooting at the Hampton Inn off US-31 happened after a dispute between Wells and another man who were members of rival gangs, witnesses told investigators. Witnesses also said Juan Sandro Cabrera is a member of the Latin Kings gang.
The Holland Sentinel reports Juan Sandro Cabrera's father and uncle also allegedly have ties to the Holland Latin Kings. His father, Juan Pedro Cabrera, was arrested on Feb. 22 for violating parole.
His uncle, Joe Pete Cabrera, is serving nine years in a federal prison for gang-related crimes, including a stabbing outside a bar, the Holland Sentinel reports.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Silent Observer at 887.887.4536.