GALENA PARK, TX – A tragic incident unfolded in Galena Park over the weekend, leaving one teenager dead and another facing grave charges. The shooting occurred near a basketball court at a local community center, transforming a place of recreation into a scene of mourning. Friends and community members gathered at the site to pay their respects to the young victim, 16-year-old Jaden Solis.
The suspect, 17-year-old Angel Salazar, was scheduled for an initial court appearance, but he did not attend. Prosecutors, however, revealed the charges against him, accusing Salazar of fatally shooting Solis during a basketball game on a Sunday afternoon. The alleged act has sent shockwaves through the community, sparking fear and calls for increased security.
Adam Escalante, a friend of the victim, recounted the harrowing moments following the incident. He had left Solis only minutes before to play soccer nearby. Upon hearing gunshots, he rushed back, only to find his friend lifeless on the court. “I was just praying it wasn’t him,” Escalante said, his voice heavy with emotion.
Authorities have arrested Salazar based on testimony from three teenage witnesses who identified him as the shooter. The case has raised questions about the relationship between the suspect and the victim, with family members claiming unfamiliarity with the charges or any connection between the two.
Community members expressed their fear and sorrow, particularly parents who now worry for their own children’s safety. “I’m very scared,” one mother shared, empathizing with the family of the deceased. The tragedy has prompted local residents to demand more robust police patrols in areas frequented by teenagers, hoping to prevent future violence.
The Galena Park Police Department faces increasing pressure to enhance its presence in community hotspots. Residents argue that a stronger police presence could deter similar incidents, promoting a safer environment for all.
Salazar awaits further legal proceedings, with his bond currently set. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the call for healing and preventive measures grows louder.