Mother fears ex-convict accused of murdering son will be released after tragedy on his 44th birthday

HOUSTON – Now Rose Rubalcava expresses her fear that the ex-convict accused of murdering her son will be released on bail.

Tuesday was her 44th birthday.

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She says she watched her son, Jesus Ochoa Lopez Jr., die in her arms from gunshot wounds.

“I tried to perform CPR, but it was too late,” she said.

Rose says she had an on-off relationship with 45-year-old Johnathan Cruz, a paroled ex-con with a long criminal record.

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Rose says Johnathan was high on Tuesday when he got into an argument with Jesus at their home in the 1400 block of Oakengates.

A judge set bail for Cruz at $150,000.

Jesus' aunt says it should be much higher.

“He's a dangerous person, so he has to stay where he is. Even if the bail is $500,000,” Rachel Ochoa said. “$150,000, that's ridiculous.”

“He took my son's life. Nothing can stop him now,” Rose said. “Knowing he's going to prison, he's going to try to kill me.”

Cruz is expected to appear in court on Monday.