In the small town of Collinsville, Alabama, a weekend in May of 2015 was shattered by a tragic event that would forever alter the lives of one family. On Sunday, May 17, 13-year-old Elijah Eli Estrada, a male remembered for his hyperactive and fun-loving nature and a big, bright smile that was always on his face, died from a gunshot wound.
Initially, the death of the young Collinsville resident was investigated as a possible accidental shooting.
However, as the investigation by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office progressed, the circumstances surrounding the incident were re-evaluated. The focus of the inquiry soon shifted, and what was first considered a tragic accident was later deemed to be a criminal matter.
In a painful turn of events, Elijah's own half-brother was identified as the one responsible for the fatal shooting. He was subsequently taken into custody and faced a charge of manslaughter in connection with Elijah's death. The community was left to mourn the loss of a young life, with a funeral service held on Friday, May 22, 2015, at the Collinsville Funeral Home-Sharpe Chapel. He was survived by his mother, father, siblings, and other loving family members.
