Alonzo Cantu Jr., a 19-year-old Hispanic male, tragically lost his life on April 9, 2019, in San Antonio, Texas. Alonzo was involved in a shootout on the East Side of San Antonio, specifically in the 1100 block of Virginia Boulevard. The incident resulted in multiple gunshot wounds to Alonzo and another teen, Jose Barrera III, aged 15. Both victims were found on the street by San Antonio Police and were immediately taken to San Antonio Military Medical Center in critical condition.
Unfortunately, Alonzo succumbed to his injuries on the same day, while Jose Barrera passed away a few days later on April 13, 2019.
The shootout that claimed Alonzo's life was a result of an exchange of gunfire involving multiple individuals. Two suspects, Fernando Javier Gonzalez III, aged 23, and Jose Recarrdo Serrano, aged 18, were arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with the deaths of Alonzo and Jose. The suspects were indicted by a Bexar County grand jury and faced additional charges of aggravated assault and tampering with evidence. Both suspects were held in the Bexar County Jail with substantial bail amounts.
Alonzo Cantu Jr. had a troubled past, as he was previously arrested in December 2018 on suspicion of murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Sonny Vidales, a 15-year-old. The incident occurred on September 22, 2018, when Alonzo allegedly shot Sonny during an exchange involving a stolen gun. Alonzo was released on bond in January 2019 and was indicted on the murder charge just days before his own death. Following Alonzo's death, the case against him was dismissed.
The investigation into the shootout on Virginia Boulevard revealed that a third gunman might have been involved in the incident and remains at large. San Antonio Police continue to seek information from the public to identify and apprehend the third suspect. The tragic events surrounding Alonzo Cantu Jr.'s death highlight the ongoing issues of gun violence and crime in the community.
