On August 8, 2023, 18-year-old Dontrae Alvin Suarez of San Antonio, Texas, was fatally shot during a botched carjacking in south Bexar County. The incident occurred near Highway 281 and Hume Road, where Suarez and a 15-year-old accomplice, who later turned 16, attempted to steal a 2006 Dodge Charger under the pretense of purchasing it. The vehicle's owner had arranged the meeting after communicating with the prospective buyers on Instagram.
During the test drive, the juvenile suspect, seated in the driver's seat, drew a pistol in an attempt to rob the owner. A struggle ensued, resulting in the owner being shot in the arm and back. In the chaos, Suarez, who was in the back seat, was also shot. Another individual, 19-year-old Ricardo De La Fuente, who was accompanying the owner, sustained fatal injuries. The suspects fled the scene in the stolen Charger and another vehicle but later transported Suarez to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Following the incident, authorities arrested 18-year-old Daquan Veneka Ruffin on September 14, 2023. Ruffin was charged with capital murder, as he knowingly participated in the robbery that led to the fatal shootings. Investigations revealed that Ruffin, along with Suarez and the juvenile suspect, had planned to steal the Charger, with Ruffin expressing concerns about the plan's risk prior to its execution. The juvenile suspect's identity remains undisclosed due to his age.
Suarez's death was a tragic culmination of a life that had overcome significant early health challenges. Born on October 7, 2005, in San Antonio, he was a "miracle baby" who defied medical expectations from infancy. He was known for his vibrant personality, love for his family, and deep faith. His passing left a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
