A Gonzales family is mourning the loss of a 16-year-old male after he died Tuesday, Feb. 4, from a gunshot wound to the head he suffered late Saturday night at a local motel.
A Facebook post by Ashley Marie Cantu at 3:33 p.m. Tuesday announced the death of her son, Johnny Cantu, who passed away at Ascension Seton Hays Hospital in Kyle.
“It is with a broken heart to inform you that our beloved son unfortunately did not make it, but it with proudness to inform you all that although he has lost this physical battle that not only will his memories live on in our words of stories but he will have the great pleasure of living on physically by helping others to survive many more days through organ donation,” the post read. We greatly appreciate all the thoughts and prayers, kind gestures and words. Information on funeral arrangements will come at a later date.”
Four individuals who were arrested on aggravated assault charges late Saturday could face more serious charges now that Cantu has died as a result of his injuries.
Lt. Jason Montoya said officers with the Gonzales Police Department were dispatched at about 10:36 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, to the Cannon Inn, 3307 US 90A, regarding a large group of juveniles fighting. While the telecommunications officer was on the phone with the caller, she reportedly heard gunshots in the background. At that time 911 received multiple calls advising that a subject on the scene had been shot.
Upon arrival, officers observed multiple subjects on scene and discovered a male subject laying face down in a ditch. Officers on scene confirmed that the 16-year-old male subject, Cantu, had what appeared to be a gunshot wound to his head area.
Gonzales officers, with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, provided first aid until an ambulance from the Gonzales County Emergency Service District No. 1 arrived. The victim was transported to the Gonzales Memorial Hospital to be treated and was then transferred to Seton Hays Hospital in Kyle, where he remains in critical condition.
Also assisting GPD and DPS were deputies from the Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office. While on scene officers obtained information that the shooter had departed in a Chevrolet Impala that was last seen traveling on 90A traveling towards Gonzales. A DPS trooper spotted a vehicle matching the description and was able to stop the vehicle with four subjects inside. The four subjects were arrested, transported to the Gonzales County Jail and all charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony.
Those arrested included Jairo Eli Salzar, 22, of Houston, Texas; Jose Enrique Romero, 18 of Houston; Joley Elizabeth Rodriguez, 24, of Gonzales; and Mariah Lynn Castillo, 18, of Gonzales.
The investigation is still ongoing, and more arrests are expected pending the outcome of the investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Gonzales Police Department at 830-672-8686.