04 March 2024 , 23:54
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A 12-year-old boy has been named as the victim of a fatal shooting this morning.
Carlos Fernandez was inside his apartment in east Harris County, Texas, when it was shot at around 3am on Monday, police have confirmed. The youngster was with his family at the complex in the 13920 block of Alderson Street in the Cloverleaf area.
The victim's two sisters, aged six and seven, were inside the property at the time of the shooting. His mum and another man were also in the apartment- all four were unharmed and no further injuries were reported. Police say the killing was targeted.
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Officers said the shooting happened in east Harris County at around 3am (KPRC)Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales said officers responded to reports of gunshots going off in the early morning where it appears the shooter, who is unknown at this time, went up to a window and opened fire directly into the bedroom of a small and compact corner unit.
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Sadly, hours after the tragic incident, young Carlos has now been identified and pictured as the only victim, Click2Houston reports. He was struck by gunfire and pronounced dead at the scene, authorities explained. Nothing could be done to save him.
Sheriff Gonzalez said: “Any time it involves a child, it just hurts a little bit more. Just heartbreaking, thinking that this child would probably be getting ready for school very soon. And unfortunately, that’s not going to happen.”
The boy was shot through his apartment window - two younger children and adults were also inside the property but unharmed (KPRC)Deputies said that the suspect fled the area in a pickup truck following the shooting and they are actively looking for him. At this time, the relationship between the shooter and Carlos is unknown however investigators believe this was a targeted situation.
A fundraiser was set up in Carlos's memory to help is family pay for any funeral costs. His aunty Marisol Gonzales created the page and spoke of her sister Ashley's heartbreaking loss. She said: "As many of you know our dear sister, Ashley, lost her baby boy. This is very devastating to her and the rest of the family. Our sweet Carlos was the best son, big brother, grandson, nephew and cousin.
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Police are investigating the death and are searching for the shooter (KHOU)"He loved his family so much and he was loved by his family and others that met him. He was a caring young boy who had dreams and a whole life ahead of him. We ask for prayers to get them through these trying times and if you find it in your heart any donations would be greatly appreciated. All the proceeds will go to our sister so that she can give her baby boy a proper burial. Thank you and may God bless you all."
It ended with a reading from Matthew 19:14, which said: "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" So far nearly $600 dollars of the $5,000 goal has been raised.