On the evening of May 13, 2023, 32-year-old Matthew Davis was fatally shot while working at a Sonic Drive-In located on South Old Betsy Road in Keene, Texas. The incident unfolded around 9:40 p.m. when Angel Gomez, 20, arrived at the restaurant with his 12-year-old nephew and began causing a disturbance in the parking lot. Davis confronted Gomez, leading to a physical altercation between the two men.
During the scuffle, the 12-year-old retrieved an AR-style rifle from Gomez's vehicle and fired multiple shots, striking Davis. Despite being airlifted to Harris Methodist Hospital, Davis succumbed to his injuries.
Following the shooting, Gomez and his nephew fled the scene but were apprehended shortly thereafter. Gomez returned to the Sonic and was arrested on a murder warrant, while the juvenile was located in the nearby town of Rio Vista, where several firearms were recovered. Both were charged with murder in connection with Davis's death.
In October 2023, the 12-year-old was found delinquent, the juvenile equivalent of guilty, for the murder of Matthew Davis. Subsequently, in November 2023, he was sentenced to 12 years of incarceration. Due to his age, the proceedings were not open to the public, and his identity remains undisclosed.
Matthew Davis, a father of a 10-year-old son, was remembered by family and friends as a dedicated worker and loving parent. A GoFundMe campaign was established to assist with funeral expenses and to support his son. The tragic incident has left the community in mourning and has sparked discussions about juvenile crime and gun access.
The case underscores the complexities of juvenile justice, especially in severe crimes involving minors. Authorities continue to deliberate on appropriate measures to address such incidents, balancing accountability with considerations for the age of the offenders.
