CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A gathering was held Wednesday evening by friends and family of 15-year-old Ray High School student Andrew Garza, who his family said is in the hospital fighting for his life after they said he was shot in the head.
Garza was shot in the 4800 block of Monitor Street at about 4:56 p.m. Monday, stated Corpus Christi Police Department Public Information Sr. Ofc. Jennifer Collier said in a news release Thursday.
They did not release information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Andrew's father and aunt tell 3NEWS the teen died of his injuries before 1 p.m. Thursday after having been on life support at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital-Shoreline since the shooting.
A large crowd of people came out to Wednesday's vigil, which was held at the basketball court on the Corpus Christi Bayfront. His family said it is Andrew's favorite place.
In a sea of people wearing red and white, the community came together to offer their prayers and support for Andrew's family.
"I appreciate every single one of y'all and I love y'all," his father, Andrew Garza Sr., told the crowd after the group was led in prayer.
Friends and family held candles, shed tears and continue to lean on each other through this difficult time.
They described Andrew as someone who is happy, loving and positive. He loves basketball and has a passion for cutting hair.
While details surrounding the shooting are limited, his family said they were left distraught.
His father took the opportunity to bring awareness to teens and gun violence.
"If you're packing guns, if you are thinking about gun violence, if you're thinking you have drama in the streets with so called 'beef', then drop it, its not worth it," he said. "It's not worth taking your last breath, shutting your eyes and never waking up, but hearing your mom and dad by your side because you are in a coma, it's not worth it."
His father told 3NEWS on Wednesday they were asking for prayers and are hoping for a miracle.
We'll keep you updated on this developing story.
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