On July 13, 2023, 26-year-old James Edward Nicholson Jr. tragically lost his life in a shooting outside the Ditzy Duck Bar on Airway Boulevard in East El Paso, Texas. The incident began with an argument inside the bar, which escalated and moved into the parking lot, culminating in gunfire that resulted in multiple casualties.
In addition to Nicholson, 27-year-old Alexa Retana was fatally wounded and later succumbed to her injuries at University Medical Center.
Four other individuals sustained injuries during the shooting: Jason Webb, 25; Samuel Munoz, 27; John Retana, 28; and Sebastian Benecke, 30. The swift response from law enforcement led to the arrest of two suspects, Andrew James Williams, 20, and Aaron John, 22, both identified as residents of Fort Bliss. They were apprehended after Fort Bliss Military Police stopped their vehicle at a post entry gate on Constitution, approximately eight miles from the bar.
Williams and John have been charged with capital murder in connection to the shooting. As of October 2, 2024, both remain in custody, with Williams held on a $1,200,000 bond and John on a $500,000 bond. Their jury trial is scheduled for November 8, 2024.
The tragic loss of James Nicholson has deeply affected his family and the El Paso community. He is remembered as a beloved son, father, brother, and friend. He is survived by his parents, James Edward Nicholson Sr. and Veronica Nicholson; his daughter, Jaelyn Alexa Nicholson; his brothers, Dominic and Marcus Allen Nicholson; and his sister, Victoria Lynn Nicholson. Funeral services were held on July 25, 2023, at Funeraria del Angel Central, followed by burial at Restlawn Memorial Park.
