Francisco "Frank" Santos, a 19-year-old Hispanic male from Fort Worth, Texas, tragically lost his life on August 22, 2020, in River Oaks, Texas. On that fateful day, Frank had asked his mother for permission to visit a friend nearby. He was dressed casually in shorts, a T-shirt, and sandals, with the smile that always characterized him. Unfortunately, Frank never returned home.
He was targeted and murdered in the early morning hours, with a bullet to his head after suspects opened fire on the vehicle he was driving. Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors informed his family that there was nothing they could do to save him. Frank was kept on life support through the weekend to wait for his grandparents to arrive from Mexico before he was unplugged and his organs were donated.
The investigation into Frank's murder revealed that five individuals were involved in the crime. However, only two minors were eventually arrested by the River Oaks Police Department. The delay in arrests was due to the judge in charge at the time, who wanted more evidence before issuing arrest warrants. The main defendant, a Hispanic youth who fatally shot Frank, was allowed to walk free despite evidence, as the case was switched over to the adult criminal justice system. Another judge further lowered his bond and set his release with some conditions in place. The court hearing for this defendant has yet to be set and could take years due to a rise in similar murders of youth, primarily Hispanics and African Americans, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The second suspect, also a minor at the time but now of legal age, faced numerous postponed, canceled, or rescheduled hearings. On August 10, 2020, Judge Alex Kim raised the bond from $50,000 to $100,000 for the now 18-year-old accused of planning Frank's murder. Despite this, Frank's family believes that the bond is still not high enough, considering the suspect's organized crime contacts. The suspect will be judged as an adult by one of 11 judges, with the possibility of bond, which is likely the option he and his attorney want. This was the same route taken by the individual who shot and killed Frank, allowing him to wait for his sentencing at home instead of being sentenced for the capital murder they planned and committed.
Frank's family, friends, and the Fort Worth community continue to seek justice for him. They have created a petition and a memorial page on the National Gun Violence website. Frank was more than just a son, brother, friend, and soccer player; he was always ready to help and shared a smile with everyone. His family and friends remember him as a close friend who showed love and care for people and was always there for his loved ones. The community demands justice for Frank and hopes that all known suspects will be charged and detained so that his family can find peace.
