On December 6, 2023, 15-year-old Raymond Alexander Ancira Jr. and his father, 34-year-old Raymond Ancira, were fatally shot during a robbery at a Circle K gas station on Potranco Road in San Antonio, Texas. The father and son had arranged to sell a Glock 26 handgun to individuals they had communicated with over social media. Upon arrival, the suspects attempted to rob them, leading to a shootout that resulted in the deaths of both victims.
The suspects involved were identified as 18-year-olds Joshua Castro and Sebastian Toledo. Castro was arrested on February 7, 2024, at Holmes High School and charged with capital murder. Toledo, who had been out on bond for previous charges, died by suicide on February 5, 2024, as authorities attempted to apprehend him at his residence.
Investigations revealed that the meeting for the firearm sale was a setup for a robbery. Surveillance footage showed the suspects arriving at the gas station and engaging with the victims before the confrontation escalated into gunfire. After the shooting, the suspects were seen rummaging through the victims' vehicle before fleeing the scene.
The tragic deaths of Raymond Ancira Jr. and his father underscore the dangers associated with online transactions involving firearms. Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution when engaging in such activities and to utilize safe exchange zones designated by local law enforcement agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
