Round Rock Police investigate “cold case” murder from 1983

Round Rock Police are re-investigating a 1983 murder occurring at the Cactus Lounge at 109 N. Sheppard St. At approximately 10:20 p.m. on Oct. 16, 1983, one suspect is believed to have shot three victims, killing 56-year-old Helen Ochoa and injuring two others.

The suspect, Martin Gallegos, remains a fugitive with an active murder warrant. Gallegos was 22 in 1983 and would be 60 now. He was last seen in Mexico in 2017.

Detectives are looking for anyone with information regarding this incident as well as the current locations of the suspect and persons of interest Juan Guerrero (now 70) and Guadalupe Morales (now 61). For those with information, please contact Detective Patrick Turck at [email protected] or 512-218-7048. Anonymous tips can be submitted to WilcoCrimeTips.org.

Why reopen this case? Mexico previously had a 13-year statute of limitations for international extradition of murder warrants. That statute has changed and Gallegos could now be extradited if found in Mexico or the U.S.

The Cactus Lounge, most recently known as Cactus Nights Sports Bar, was demolished in March 2022.