On February 12, 2024, 15-year-old Andrew Lee Garza Jr., a sophomore at W.B. Ray High School in Corpus Christi, Texas, was shot in the 4800 block of Monitor Street. He sustained a single gunshot wound and was immediately transported to CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital-Shoreline, where he remained on life support until his passing on February 15, 2024.
In the days following Andrew's death, the Corpus Christi Police Department identified a 16-year-old male suspect in connection with the shooting.
The suspect's parents, Cristal and Rodrigo Juarez, were arrested on February 21, 2024, for hindering the apprehension of their son, as they were accused of concealing his whereabouts from law enforcement.
On February 24, 2024, the 16-year-old suspect surrendered to the Corpus Christi Police Department. He was subsequently booked into the Nueces County Juvenile Justice Center, facing charges related to Andrew's death.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, W.B. Ray High School offered grief counseling services to support students and staff affected by Andrew's passing. Additionally, a vigil was held by friends and family to honor Andrew's memory, reflecting the community's deep sense of loss.
Andrew was remembered as a driven barber who enjoyed cutting hair, often setting up a barber station in his kitchen at home. He also had a passion for basketball and was known for his ability to make others laugh. His untimely death has left a profound impact on the Corpus Christi community, highlighting concerns about youth violence and the importance of addressing such issues to prevent future tragedies.
