Orange, Texas — In a major development in a recent homicide investigation, the Orange Police Department (OPD) has announced the arrest of a suspect connected to the fatal shooting of Amber Nicole Parsons. The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, when Parsons was shot while driving along Highland Street, a residential area just west of downtown Orange.
According to initial reports from OPD, officers responded to calls of a shooting in the area around 3:30 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered 28-year-old Amber Nicole Parsons inside her vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but Parsons was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators quickly launched an intensive manhunt for the suspect, described by witnesses as a young male who fled the scene on foot while armed with a handgun. After several days of investigation, surveillance reviews, and witness interviews, OPD detectives identified the suspect as 21-year-old Allan Plata.
Plata was taken into custody without incident at approximately 5:20 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025. Police have not released the exact location of his arrest, but confirm it was within Orange County. Following his arrest, Plata was booked into the Orange County Jail on several serious charges, including Murder, Attempted Murder, and Probation Violation.
While authorities have not disclosed the motive behind the shooting, they have confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing. OPD spokespersons said that they are working to determine whether the shooting was targeted or random, and whether any prior connection existed between Parsons and the suspect.
“The Orange Police Department is committed to ensuring justice is served for Amber Nicole Parsons and her family,” said OPD Chief of Police Lane Martin. “We thank the community for their cooperation and support during this investigation. This arrest brings us one step closer to delivering answers and accountability.”
Anyone with additional information related to the case is urged to contact the Orange Police Department at (409) 883-1026 or Crime Stoppers at (409) 833-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous.
Amber Nicole Parsons’ death has sent shockwaves through the community. Friends and family describe her as a loving, vibrant individual whose life was senselessly cut short. A candlelight vigil is reportedly being planned in her memory, with details expected to be shared publicly in the coming days.
As the legal proceedings against Allan Plata begin, the community awaits further updates and continues to mourn the loss of a young woman whose life ended far too soon.
