On the evening of October 20, 2023, 16-year-old Deandrea "Autis" Anissa Valdez, a student at Tuloso-Midway High School in Corpus Christi, Texas, was fatally shot. The incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. in the 100 block of Hardwood Street in the Jackson Woods area near Annaville. Upon arrival, Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) officers found Deandrea with a gunshot wound; she was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, the Tuloso-Midway Independent School District community came together to honor Deandrea's memory. A candlelight vigil was held on October 23, 2023, at the Pavilion at West Guth Park, where family, friends, and community members gathered to remember the young life lost. Superintendent Steve Van Matre emphasized the district's commitment to providing resources and support to those affected by the loss.
Regarding the investigation, CCPD reported that all individuals involved in the incident had been identified and questioned. They stated that the shooting was not a random act of violence, as all parties were known to each other. As of the latest available information, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Unverified reports suggest that the shooting may have resulted from a female suspect handling a firearm recklessly, leading to Deandrea being struck in the upper leg. However, official sources have not confirmed these details. The community continues to mourn Deandrea's passing, with family and friends organizing benefits and memorials in her honor.
