Alijah Xzavier Viramontes, a 21-year-old male of Hispanic ethnicity, tragically passed away on December 12, 2021, in Lubbock, Texas. He was born on April 10, 2000, and was employed as a caretaker at Essential Home Health. Alijah was known for his beautiful sense of humor and his love for music and video games. He graduated from Cooper High School in Lubbock.
On the night of his death, Alijah was at an after-hours party held at an auto repair shop in central Lubbock.
The party was hosted at the West Texas Auto and Dent Repair in the 4800 block of Avenue Q. Around 4:22 a.m., shots were fired, and responding officers found Alijah, along with two other individuals, Sergio Valdez and Meagan Pena, suffering from gunshot wounds. Alijah's injuries were severe, and he succumbed to them about eight hours later.
The investigation revealed that the shooting stemmed from a fight inside the property. Four brothers, including Thomas Jeremy Martinez, were identified as possible suspects. Two of Martinez's brothers identified him as the shooter. Martinez was later indicted on charges of murder in connection with Alijah's death. The murder charge carries a punishment of five years to life in prison.
Martinez was arrested on December 21, 2021, at a residence in the 6200 block of 62nd Street. According to court documents, Martinez admitted to the shooting as he was leaving the scene in a vehicle. Security camera videos from the auto shop also captured Martinez carrying a handgun and firing it in the parking lot.
The case remains under investigation, and the Lubbock Police Department continues to seek information from the public. Alijah's family and friends remember him fondly for the joy and happiness he brought into their lives.
Alijah Xzavier Viramontes' death has left a significant impact on his family and the community, and efforts to seek justice for him continue.
