On September 14, 2024, at approximately 1:42 a.m., Wichita Falls Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire at the West End Pub and Pool, located near the intersection of Southwest Parkway and Kemp Boulevard. Upon arrival, they discovered 27-year-old Giovanni Cesar deceased in the parking lot, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound.
During the investigation, authorities were informed of a second gunshot victim, a 20-year-old male, who had arrived at United Regional's
emergency room with non-life-threatening injuries. This individual was later identified as Marcus Fonseca. He was subsequently transferred to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth for further treatment.
Detectives from the Wichita Falls Police Department's Crimes Against Persons Unit conducted interviews with witnesses and reviewed available footage of the incident. Their findings indicated that Fonseca's account of the events contained inconsistencies. Video evidence reportedly showed Fonseca walking through the parking lot with his right hand in his pocket before the shooting, with two individuals appearing to yell at him. Cesar was observed walking at a normal pace before a gunshot was fired, causing him to fall to the ground. Fonseca then fled toward an adjacent parking lot, where additional gunshots were heard.
On September 25, 2024, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force arrested Fonseca in Fort Worth. He was charged with the murder of Giovanni Cesar and held on a $750,000 bond. Investigators concluded that there was no imminent threat of deadly force to Fonseca before he fired the fatal shot, leading to the murder charge.
In the wake of Cesar's death, a GoFundMe campaign was organized to support his family. Known as "Moody G," Cesar left behind four young children and his partner, Darian. The campaign aimed to alleviate the financial burden on his family during this difficult time.
The tragic incident at the West End Pub and Pool has prompted local authorities and community members to emphasize the importance of safety precautions when engaging in nightlife activities. Recommendations include attending venues with trusted individuals, consuming alcohol responsibly, and remaining aware of one's surroundings to prevent such incidents in the future.
