On February 23, 2024, 41-year-old Gilberto Moralez was fatally shot in Waco, Texas, marking the city's first homicide of the year. The incident occurred around 1:08 a.m. in the 200 block of Mary Avenue, near Cricket’s Draft House and Grill. An altercation involving multiple individuals escalated, resulting in Moralez sustaining a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts by responding officers, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Moralez was an Assistant Professor at the UT Southwestern School of Health Professions, a position he had held since 2019. The university community expressed deep sorrow over his passing, highlighting his dedication to medical science and commitment to improving community health.
In the weeks following the incident, the Waco Police Department worked diligently to identify a suspect. On March 13, 2024, they announced the arrest of 25-year-old Bralon Buhl from Temple, Texas. Buhl was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service's Lone Star Fugitive Task Force. He faced charges including one count of murder and three counts of aggravated assault in connection with Moralez's death.
The arrest brought a measure of relief to the Waco community, which had been unsettled by a series of violent incidents earlier in the year. Waco Police Chief Sheryl Victorian acknowledged the unprecedented nature of three homicides occurring in as many days and emphasized the department's commitment to solving these cases. She also appealed to the public for assistance in providing information related to ongoing investigations.
Moralez's death was a significant loss to both his family and the academic community. He was remembered not only for his professional contributions but also as a dedicated family man. His obituary noted that he was preceded in death by his son, Samuel Moralez, and is survived by his wife, two children, and extended family members.
The case against Buhl proceeded through the legal system, with the community closely monitoring developments. The incident underscored the importance of community engagement in addressing and preventing violence, as well as the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to ensure public safety.
