Houston Man Living in Fear After Girlfriend Lures Him to a Romantic Spot and Shoots Him

A Houston man, Elvis Muñoz, is struggling to rebuild his life after surviving a horrific attack by his girlfriend, Alexys Pinto. The incident has left Muñoz not only physically scarred but also living in constant fear as Pinto was recently released from jail on a reduced bond. Here's a closer look at the events that unfolded and the lingering effects on Muñoz's life.

A Romantic Spot Turns Violent

The nightmare began on Sept. 5, 2024, when Pinto, 23, asked Muñoz to take her to a wooded area near 288 and Airport Boulevard. According to a criminal complaint cited by HuffPost, the couple had previously visited the location to watch the sunset. Despite her insistence, Muñoz was wary and questioned her motives. However, he eventually agreed to drive there.

Upon arrival, the situation escalated quickly. Pinto ran from the truck, prompting Muñoz to chase after her. Moments later, Pinto asked Muñoz to teach her about deer hunting before reportedly pulling out a gun and shooting him. "I literally couldn't believe it," Muñoz told KTRK, as reported by ABC 13 News. "I looked down, and I started seeing all the blood running down my body, gushing."

Muñoz sustained gunshot wounds to his chest and hand as Pinto continued to fire. According to Muñoz, Pinto revealed her intentions during the attack: "I’m sorry, I didn't mean to do you like that, I didn't shoot you in the right places!" while standing over him, gun in hand, as reported by HuffPost. After shooting him in the face, she continued, "It was supposed to be quick."

Fighting for His Life

During the shooting, Muñoz used his words to try to save his life. "Told her that I loved her, and I still wanted to be with her ... just basically trying to get into her head to convince her to help me," he told KPRC in an interview. He begged her to call for medical assistance. Pinto eventually relented, calling her father and driving Muñoz to a gas station, where he finally received help.

Muñoz was hospitalized for weeks and underwent multiple surgeries to address injuries to his lungs, intestines, and hands. A fundraiser organized by his sister described the harrowing journey of recovery: "Every day brings new challenges to face," she wrote in the campaign, according to HuffPost.

A History of Abuse

In the aftermath, Muñoz has reflected on the toxic relationship he endured with Pinto. He described her as controlling and jealous, isolating him from family and friends. "You're willing to take care of someone and love them so much for three years and for them to pay you with bullets, try to take your life," he told KHOU 11.

Muñoz said he didn't recognize the signs of abuse until it was too late. The shooting, he believes, was the culmination of her escalating behavior.

Fear and Frustration After Her Release

Pinto was released from jail on Nov. 15, 2024, after a judge reduced her bond from $75,000 to $10,000. She is required to wear an ankle monitor and abide by strict bond conditions, but this has done little to ease Muñoz's fears. "She might want to come back and do something," he told KHOU 11.

Muñoz's sister, Ana Fernandez, expressed outrage over the decision. "I am furious that the system is not doing their part," she said, as reported by KHOU 11, criticizing the judicial leniency despite Pinto's actions.

A Long Road Ahead

Muñoz, once a skilled mechanic, now faces a life of physical limitations and uncertainty. "I took several shots. I fought for my life for hours," he told KHOU 11, recounting the ordeal. His injuries have left him disabled, with limited use of his hands, making it impossible to return to his trade.

As he continues to recover, Muñoz's primary concern is his safety and that of his family.

If you or someone you know needs support from domestic abuse, contact the National Abuse Hotline or by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

References: Man Hospitalized For Weeks After Girlfriend Allegedly Lured Him To Romantic Spot And Shot Him | A man is living in fear after he says his ex tried to kill him. She's now out on bond. | Houston man shot by girlfriend struggles to recover and fears safety while she walks free on bond | 'She holds grudges': Man shot multiple times by girlfriend worried for safety after she posts bond