In the early hours of January 15, 2023, Julian Cruz, a 39-year-old resident of Victoria, Texas, was fatally shot at The Grove Apartments located at 4405 N. Navarro St. The Victoria Police Department received multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots around 3:44 a.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered that three individuals had been shot: Cruz, a 31-year-old male, and a 27-year-old female. Cruz succumbed to his injuries, while the other two victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The Victoria Police Department initiated an investigation into the shooting, treating it as an isolated incident with no immediate threat to the public. At the time, no arrests had been made, and detectives were actively pursuing all leads. The department urged anyone with information to contact Victoria Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Julian Cruz was born on December 14, 1983, and was known for his love of music, particularly DJ Screw, as well as his appreciation for jewelry and Cadillacs. He enjoyed gambling, playing dice, fishing, and cherished family gatherings. He is survived by his wife, Crystal Cooke, his children, Noah Donovan Cruz and Jewel Giana Cruz, and other family members. Funeral services were held at Grace Funeral Home in Victoria, followed by a funeral mass at Our Lady of Sorrow Catholic Church.
As of now, there have been no public reports indicating that arrests have been made or suspects identified in connection with Julian Cruz's death. The case remains under investigation, and authorities continue to seek information from the public to aid in solving this crime.
