Justin Ray Cross, an 18-year-old male of Caucasian ethnicity from Ozark, Missouri, tragically died on May 13, 2019, in Tyler, Texas. He was visiting a friend's home when he was shot in the stomach by Robert Melvin Galbraith, a 63-year-old man from Tyler. According to witness accounts, Galbraith approached Cross and his group and asked, "How's it feel for this to be your last day alive?" before firing his handgun.
Cross was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Following the shooting, Galbraith fled the scene and went into hiding. Law enforcement launched an extensive manhunt, deploying SWAT teams and tracking canines from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division. The next day, Galbraith was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a wooded area behind his residence. The Smith County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Galbraith's death was a suicide.
The incident was described as a bizarre and senseless act of violence. Cross's mother, Jennifer Courtnay, recounted the harrowing experience of receiving the news and rushing to Texas, only to be told by hospital staff that her son had died. The case drew significant media attention due to the unusual circumstances and the tragic loss of a young life.
In the aftermath, there were no further arrests or litigations related to Cross's death, as the primary suspect, Galbraith, had already taken his own life. The case was officially closed with the determination that Galbraith acted alone.
Justin Ray Cross was remembered fondly by his family and friends as a charismatic and tenderhearted young man who enjoyed playing sports and spending time with loved ones. His untimely death left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
