Ava Castillo, a 4-year-old Hispanic girl, tragically lost her life on November 14, 2016, in Houston, Texas. Ava was shot and killed during a robbery as her family was unloading groceries in the parking lot of their Greenspoint-area apartment complex. The incident also left her mother, Diana Gomez, and her 10-year-old sister, Betzy, injured. Diana was shot seven times, while Betzy was shot in the stomach.
Both survived the attack.
Three suspects were charged in connection with Ava's death. Philip Battles, 18, Ferrell Dardar, 17, and Marco Alton Miller, 17, were all charged with capital murder. The suspects had been on a crime spree and targeted Ava's family as they returned home from the grocery store. During the robbery, the suspects attempted to steal Diana Gomez's purse, and when she resisted, they opened fire, resulting in Ava's death and the injuries to her mother and sister.
Philip Battles was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after a five-day trial. The jury deliberated for less than 20 minutes before delivering a guilty verdict. Battles was also linked to other violent crimes, including the murder of Melvin Bonilla-Fuentes and Ignacio Ortega. Ferrell Dardar, who was already on bond for three other aggravated robberies at the time of the incident, pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 60 years in prison. Marco Alton Miller's trial was scheduled to take place later.
The case garnered significant attention, and the community held a vigil to remember Ava Castillo. Ava's mother, Diana Gomez, expressed her heartbreak in court, stating that she would never see her daughter grow up and realize her dreams and aspirations. The two deputies who tried to save Ava's life broke down in tears on the witness stand, highlighting the emotional impact of the tragedy on those involved.
Ava Castillo's death serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violent crime and the lasting impact it has on families and communities. The legal proceedings against the suspects aimed to bring justice for Ava and her family, while also addressing the broader issue of crime in the area.
