HOUSTON, TEXAS — A federal grand jury has indicted three Houston-area men for allegedly orchestrating a murder-for-hire scheme that nearly resulted in the death of a man identified in court records as R.D., officials announced this week.
Michael Seery, 42, of Katy; Ricardo Obando Jr., 51; and Matthew Rosas, 24, both of Houston, face charges of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and several related federal crimes. Prosecutors say the plot unfolded between December 2024 and March 6, 2025, and involved the use of firearms, electronic communications, bank transfers, and unregistered vehicles.
On February 4, 2025, along Texas State Highway 99 in Cypress, Obando and Rosas allegedly followed R.D. from his residence and opened fire as he drove to work. R.D. sustained critical injuries to his neck and torso but was able to pull over and call 911, according to the indictment.
Investigators allege that Rosas drove an unregistered vehicle supplied by Seery while Obando fired the shots. Court records show that the suspects tracked the victim’s routine in the days leading up to the attack.
The indictment also details firearms-related charges against Seery, who is a convicted felon. He allegedly used a 3D printer to manufacture a handgun and a silencer, which he then provided to Obando. Seery also faces charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and transferring a firearm intended for use in a felony.
Authorities linked a $305 electronic payment from Seery to Obando on February 3 to the scheme, allegedly intended to compensate Rosas for serving as the getaway driver.
Police arrested Rosas 10 days after the shooting. During his arrest, officers reportedly recovered $220 in cash—including two $100 bills—and a small quantity of cocaine.
Seery remains in federal custody, while Obando and Rosas are currently held in state custody on attempted capital murder charges. All three defendants are scheduled to appear in federal court on July 24.
If convicted, the men face mandatory minimum sentences ranging from 10 to 30 years, with the possibility of life imprisonment. The investigation remains ongoing as federal and local authorities continue to gather evidence.