Two arrested following Milano shooting

Two men have been charged following a shooting at an after prom party in Milano on early Sunday morning.

According to Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore, on May 15 at approximately 1:50 a.m. the Milam County Sheriff’s Office received several 911 calls in reference to a shooting that took place in the 8000 block of US Highway 79 in Milano.  Deputies were immediately dispatched and arrived on scene shortly thereafter.

The residents of the property where the shooting occurred were throwing an after party for the Milano prom. Clore said Milano ISD was not affiliated with this party).  At some point a firearm was displayed by a white male identified as 17-year-old Kelvin Ortega of Oklahoma, who then fired the weapon, striking a 17-year-old male.

The suspect fled the party with Zain Taylor of College Station in a white police surplus Ford Crown Victoria.    

The victim was flown to the hospital and is in stable condition, having had emergency surgery.

Investigators interviewed people at the party, processed the scene and began following up on leads.  Many of the statements conflicted with each other, but enough information led to the suspects who are detailed above. 

Clore said another shooting victim was located Sunday afternoon.  The victim, a 14-year-old male, was hit with a bullet fired by the suspects. The 14-year-old initially believed he had cut his leg on an unknown object and went home. It wasn’t until this afternoon that it was discovered to be a bullet wound.  He was transported by EMS to a hospital where he was treated.

The suspect vehicle was located, having been abandoned after two blow outs on the passenger side.

Investigators traveled to Brazos County, College Station, Robertson County and Franklin, following up on leads.  Investigators located Ortega and Taylor and obtained confessions from each.  

Ortega and Taylor will be charged with two counts each of Aggravated Assault Causes Serious Bodily Injury, which are Second Degree Felonies.

Clore said this will continue to be an active investigation.  

If you or anyone you know have any information, please contact the Milam County Sheriff’s Office or contact Milam County Crime Stoppers.