On December 3, 2023, 14-year-old Zaydrian Valdez from Lubbock, Texas, tragically lost his life to a gunshot wound. The incident occurred near 82nd Street and Highway 87, where Valdez and five other individuals, including two juveniles, were reportedly involved in vehicle burglaries during which firearms were stolen. As the group was traveling in a vehicle, a firearm discharged, fatally injuring Valdez.
Following the incident, five teenagers turned themselves in to authorities and were charged in connection with Valdez's death. Alyssa Gonzales, 18, admitted to discharging the firearm that resulted in Valdez's death and was charged with criminally negligent homicide and engaging in organized criminal activity. Two 17-year-olds, Angelina Estrada and Dehvin Garcia, were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, with Garcia also facing a charge for using or exhibiting a deadly weapon. Additionally, a 16-year-old male was charged with theft of a firearm and engaging in organized criminal activity, and a 13-year-old male was charged with theft of a firearm, engaging in organized criminal activity, and tampering with evidence.
Court documents revealed that the group had been burglarizing vehicles and had stolen two firearms from an unlocked vehicle at an apartment complex in the 3000 block of South Loop 289. While Gonzales was handling one of the stolen guns inside the vehicle, it discharged, striking Valdez. After the shooting, the group transported Valdez to University Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Upon arrival, the 13-year-old attempted to dispose of one of the firearms by throwing it into a field near the emergency room.
The tragic death of Valdez marked the second time in 2023 that his family experienced the loss of a child to gun violence. His mother described him as a beloved son who was "loved by everyone." In the wake of his passing, the family created a GoFundMe account to raise funds for his funeral services.
