Natanaell Bardales, an 18-year-old male of Hispanic ethnicity, tragically lost his life on April 2, 2016, in Kyle, Texas. He was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting while standing outside a home in the Post Oak subdivision. Bardales was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries an hour later.
The investigation into Bardales' death led to the arrest of two suspects. A 16-year-old minor was apprehended shortly after the incident and charged with murder.
Due to his age, the minor's name was not released by the police. Witnesses provided police with two possible names of the suspects, which helped in the swift arrest. The minor was held at the Hays County Juvenile Detention Facility.
In addition to the minor, another suspect, Rickson Correa-Cherem, was implicated in the crime. Correa-Cherem was accused of being the driver during the shooting. The legal proceedings against him continued, while the minor, identified as James Gabriel Sanchez, faced charges as a juvenile but was later certified as an adult.
On February 23, 2018, James Gabriel Sanchez pled guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in the drive-by shooting. The court proceedings against Rickson Correa-Cherem were still ongoing at the time.
The loss of Natanaell Bardales deeply affected his family, friends, and the community. His funeral was held at the Mission Funeral Home in Austin, where family and friends gathered to mourn his passing and celebrate his life.
The case highlighted the devastating impact of gun violence on young lives and the importance of swift justice in such tragic circumstances. The legal actions taken against the suspects underscored the community's commitment to holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
