In the warm evening of Sunday, July 27, 2025, a church festival at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, turned into a scene of tragedy. Fifteen-year-old Alexander Puentes, affectionately known as 'Chano,' was at the event when an argument broke out with another teenager, also 15 years old. The verbal dispute escalated, and the other boy pulled out a gun, shooting Alexander in the stomach before fleeing the scene.
Emergency services were called, and Alexander was rushed to
a nearby hospital. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries hours later. The young man, born on May 17, 2010, was remembered for his radiant personality, sense of humor, and impressive dance moves that brought joy to those around him. A beloved and faithful lifelong member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, he was a dedicated altar server who was always willing to lend a helping hand.
The Tulsa police investigated the shooting, and their efforts led to the discovery of a backpack containing a gun in a backyard near the church. On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the 15-year-old suspect was arrested. He was subsequently charged with first-degree murder and taken to the Tulsa County Juvenile Center. Authorities have not released the name of the accused. The Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma stated that the alleged shooter was not affiliated with the church.
