A Texas teenager has lost their life, and another is in custody following a derogatory remark regarding someone’s deceased mother that escalated into gun violence earlier this week, according to law enforcement in the state.
On Wednesday night, the San Antonio Police Department reported two distinct 911 calls made just one minute apart regarding gunfire on the west side of San Antonio.
Joel Castillo, 16, has passed away, as confirmed by the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office. A 14-year-old neighbor is reportedly the alleged killer of the victim. The identity of the defendant remains undisclosed.
A police department spokesperson informed Law&Crime that the suspect has been charged with murder.
Police reported that the incident took place at approximately 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, at a large apartment complex located near San Carlos Street and Agatha Street.
According to police, the 14-year-old and Castillo had an ongoing conflict. According to police, the suspect initiated the confrontation by provoking the victim regarding his recently passed mother. The escalating tensions and verbal exchanges became a physical confrontation.
Police reported that a confrontation occurred between the two boys.
A 14-year-old is accused of pulling out a gun and shooting a 16-year-old multiple times before leaving the crime scene, as reported by police. Authorities reported that Castillo died from an abdominal wound.
The victim’s father shared with KENS that he tried to shield his son as the situation intensified.
After the direct intervention did not succeed, Castillo’s father mentioned that he approached the mother of the alleged shooter. As he made his way to the nearby apartment, he suddenly heard gunshots.
The individual was quickly taken to a local hospital, where their condition was reported as critical. He passed away from his injuries within two hours, according to police reports to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
In the meantime, authorities reported to a local radio station that the suspected murderer was momentarily untraceable. According to law enforcement, the 14-year-old was captured on Thursday morning after his own mother provided a description to the police.
Castillo’s family is now dealing with two sudden and significant losses within the same year. Sandra Martinez, 35, the mother of the children, tragically passed away in a head-on car collision in February.