Angel Morales, a 13-year-old boy from Houston, Texas, was tragically shot and killed on November 25, 2018, during a neighborhood block party. The event was supposed to be family-friendly, with children playing in a bounce house and live music being performed. However, the evening took a tragic turn when at least 20 rounds of gunfire erupted. Angel was among the victims, fatally wounded by the bullets.
The shooting occurred around 6:37 p.m.
in the 4500 block of Yale Street near Crosstimbers Street. Eyewitnesses reported hearing dozens of shots fired, and six people were injured, but Angel's injuries were fatal. His mother, Olga Valeriano, was devastated by the loss of her young son, who had gone to the party to enjoy the festivities.
Houston police believe that the shooting may have involved gang members, and Chief Art Acevedo described the incident as a cowardly act. Investigators returned to the scene the following day and mentioned that they had a possible person of interest in custody, but no arrests have been made. The community held a vigil for Angel, with many expressing their grief and calling for justice.
Angel was a seventh-grader at M.C. Williams Middle School and was well-liked by his classmates and teachers. He was known for his joyful personality and his dream of becoming a police officer. His death has left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the community, who continue to seek justice for the young boy who lost his life far too soon.
