Justin Tony Garcia, a 17-year-old Hispanic male, was fatally shot in the driveway of his La Vergne, Tennessee, home on October 8, 2019. A student at La Vergne High School, Justin was known for his love of music and songwriting. On the evening of his death, a light-colored SUV reportedly pulled into the Garcia's driveway. When Justin went to see who it was, he was shot. His mother, who was returning home from work at the time, heard the gunshot.
Justin was transported to a local medical center where he succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the shooting led police to identify 18-year-old Deonte' Moore as a person of interest. Moore was taken into custody on October 17, 2019, after more than a week of evading law enforcement. He was subsequently charged with first-degree murder, especially aggravated robbery, and unlawful possession of a weapon with the intent to go armed while committing a dangerous felony. Following his arrest, Moore was held at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center without bond.
Deonte' Moore was scheduled for a court appearance on December 9, 2019, and was slated to face the first-degree murder charge in a Rutherford County courtroom on January 28, 2020. The community rallied around the Garcia family, holding a vigil at La Vergne High School to honor Justin's memory and organizing a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses. His mother has been a vocal advocate for justice for her son, remembering him as a caring and talented young man.
