On November 20, 2016, Juan Carranza Jr., an 18-year-old Hispanic male from Houston, Texas, was fatally shot in the parking lot of a shopping center on Richmond Avenue and Fondren Road. He was declared dead at the scene. According to the Houston Police Department, a witness described the shooter as a "heavy-set, Hispanic male about 5 feet 8 inches" who fled the scene in a newer-model white sedan.
Carranza, who was known as "Tiny" due to being born premature, left behind a 2-year-old daughter.
The investigation into Carranza's death revealed that he was wearing mostly black clothing and a ski-mask type beanie when he was found. Police speculated that Carranza might have been attempting to rob the shooter, although his mother, Wenda Leonardo, insisted that his clothing choice was not indicative of criminal intent. Leonardo also expressed concern that the police might not pursue the case thoroughly due to her son's Hispanic ethnicity.
Despite the ongoing investigation, no arrests have been made, and the case remains unsolved. The lack of a clear motive and the limited evidence have hindered the progress of the investigation. Carranza's mother continues to seek justice for her son, hoping that the authorities will take further action to find the person responsible for his death.
The tragic loss of Juan Carranza has deeply affected his family and the community, particularly the Brazilian community, with whom he shared a passion for Capoeira, a traditional Brazilian art form that combines dance, fight, and rhythm. His funeral was attended by many friends and family members, including those who traveled from outside the U.S. to pay their respects.
In summary, the death of Juan Carranza remains a mystery, with the Houston Police Department still searching for answers and justice for the young man who was taken too soon.
