Paula Victoria Nino, a 20-year-old woman of Hispanic ethnicity, tragically lost her life on July 23, 2016, in Bastrop, Texas. She was one of four victims in a shooting incident at the Arbors of Bastrop Apartments. Paula was killed while protecting her two-year-old daughter from gunfire. The incident occurred during a domestic dispute between Alejandro Martinez, 20, and his girlfriend Erica Rodriguez, 21.
Martinez grabbed a rifle and shot Rodriguez, Paula, and his three-year-old son before turning the gun on himself.
The Bastrop Police Department, Bastrop County Sheriff's Office, and the Texas Rangers conducted a joint investigation into the incident. The investigation determined that Rodriguez's, Paula's, and the child's deaths were homicides, while Martinez's death was ruled a suicide. The tragic event left the community in shock and led to a small memorial being set up in front of the apartment complex.
Paula's bravery in shielding her daughter from harm was widely recognized, and her family set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses. The community's response was overwhelming, with nearly $2,800 raised in a single day. Despite the ongoing investigation, no arrests or suspects have been publicly identified in connection with the shooting.
The loss of Paula Nino was a devastating event for her family and friends, who continue to remember her for her courage and love for her daughter. The investigation remains a significant case for the local authorities, who are committed to finding answers and providing closure for the victims' families.
