close

       Video

       Fox News Flash top headlines for June 6 Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

       NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

       The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has temporarily halted the transportation of inmates following the escape of a violent offender while on a bus to a medical appointment last month, prompting a statewide manhunt that ended with him dead after he allegedly killed five family members.

       The agency said it was reviewing its procedures and was bringing in an outside agency to conduct an independent inquiry into the escape of Gonzalo Lopez.

       "TDCJ has temporarily suspended the transport of inmates as the agency conducts a comprehensive review of its transportation procedures," the agency said in a statement to Fox News. "If it becomes necessary to do a transport such as releasing or an emergency medical appointment, additional security measures will be implemented."

       "The agency is conducting an internal Serious Incident Review and also intends to bring in an outside firm to conduct an independent review to identify factors that may have led to the escape of Lopez," the statement continued.

       FUGITIVE KAILTLIN ARMSTRONG SHOULD SURRENDER AFTER SHOOTING DEATH OF PRO CYCLIST ‘MO’ WILSON, MARSHALS SAY

       Gonzalo Lopez, a convicted murderer, escaped a prison transport bus on May 12. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice said Monday it will suspend the transportation of prisoners following the escape of Lopez, who was shot and killed by authorities. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice)

       Lopez, 46, who was convicted of capital murder and associated with the Mexican Mafia prison gang, escaped May 12 after getting out of his restraints while on a bus for high-risk inmates. He stabbed a correction officer before temporarily stealing the bus and fleeing on foot.

       A massive manhunt was launched and he was eventually killed in a shootout with authorities last week.

       In addition, he is believed to have killed Mark Collins, 66, Waylon Collins, 18; Carson Collins, 16; Hudson Collins, 11, and 11-year-old Bryson Collins near Centerville.

       After the murders, Lopez took off in a stolen Chevrolet, which was spotted later that day by police near San Antonio, authorities said. Police pursued, and the confrontation eventually ended in a gunfight, during which Lopez was fatally shot and killed.

       next

       Image 1 of 2

       This undated photo provided by the family via Houston Northwest Church shows Mark Collins. Collins was one of the people authorities believe was killed by Gonzalo Lopez, 46, a convicted murderer who escaped from prison. (Family Photo/Courtesy of Houston Northwest Church via AP)

       prev

       Image 2 of 2

       These photos provided by the family via Houston Northwest Church shows, from left to right, Bryson Collins, Carson Collins, Hudson Collins, Waylon Collins and Mark Collins, who authorities believe were all killed by Gonzalo Lopez, 46, a convicted murderer who escaped from prison. (Family Photo/Courtesy of Houston Northwest Church via AP)

       CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

       Lopez had a violent criminal history.

       He was convicted in 1996 of two counts of aggravated assault and received two eight-year sentences. In 2006, he was convicted of capital murder and aggravated kidnapping and was sentenced to life in prison. He received a second life sentence after he was convicted for attempted capital murder in 2007.

       Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to louis.casiano@fox.com.