On the morning of August 15, 2023, 17-year-old Julian Junior Robledo was sitting with his mother in the carport of their home on Mosscircle Drive in San Antonio, Texas. As they enjoyed their breakfast, an older-model silver sedan approached their residence. Without warning, the occupant fired approximately 20 rounds toward them. Julian was struck multiple times, including two gunshot wounds to the head and one to the shoulder, while his mother remained physically unharmed.
Tragically, Julian succumbed to his injuries two days later, on August 17, 2023.
In addition to the harm inflicted upon Julian, the family's dog was also injured by the gunfire but survived. A stray bullet entered a neighboring home, shattering a glass door and causing minor injuries to a woman inside. The sudden and violent nature of the attack left the community in shock, with no immediate leads or arrests following the incident. Julian's mother, who witnessed the horrific event, expressed her devastation and urged other parents to be vigilant about their children's associations, emphasizing that firearms are not toys for teenagers.
In November 2023, a breakthrough occurred when San Antonio Police arrested 19-year-old Nathan Martinez in connection with multiple shootings, including the one that claimed Julian's life. Ballistic evidence from the scene on Mosscircle Drive matched other incidents linked to Martinez. Further investigation into his social media activity revealed that Martinez had boasted about "taking down a rival gang member" and described modifying his weapon to function as a fully automatic firearm. He now faces several charges, including capital murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Authorities expressed relief at his apprehension, noting his apparent disregard for human life.
Julian's untimely death has left a profound void in his family and community. Born on September 11, 2005, in San Antonio, he was the youngest of three children and had recently become a father himself, with his son just two months old at the time of the shooting. His passing on the same date as his father's death nine years prior adds an additional layer of sorrow for his grieving family.
