Gloria Jean Lee Roque, a 79-year-old African American woman, tragically passed away on October 31, 2019, in Dallas, Texas. Gloria was a beloved music teacher, church choir singer, and active community member. She was inside her South Dallas home with her adult daughter when a drive-by shooting occurred. Bullets came through the walls and struck her, leading to her untimely death.
The incident was determined to be a case of mistaken identity.
Kimberly Garcia, a 17-year-old girl, turned herself in to the police and was charged with Gloria's murder. Garcia admitted that she and three others were attempting to target her ex-boyfriend's home but ended up at Gloria's house instead. Another juvenile was also arrested and charged with the murder.
Gloria's family and friends remembered her as a kind and loving person who dedicated her life to music and her community. Her son, Keith Lee, expressed frustration over the random nature of the incident and hoped for justice for his mother. The community and her church, Warren United Methodist Church, mourned the loss of a cherished member.
The investigation into Gloria's death revealed that additional suspects might have been involved, and the police continued to look for them. The case highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in the South Dallas area and the impact it has on innocent lives.
Gloria's legacy lives on through her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched during her time as a music teacher and community advocate.
