ATASCOCITA, Texas – It’s been three weeks since 29-year-old Alejandro “AJ” Suarez was tragically killed, and his sister is shedding light on her late brother.
Suarez, along with Charity Freeman, 26, was killed in January in Atascocita on Rebawood Drive off Sunny Shores Drive.
BACKGROUND: No bond for man accused in fatal double shooting of ex-girlfriend and man in Atascocita
Their suspected killer, Yamil Rivera-Perez, 34, is facing a capital murder charge after detectives discovered Rivera-Perez and Freeman had recently ended an abusive relationship. Freeman’s family said she and Rivera-Perez had dated for a few months before ending things last year.
Authorities believe Rivera-Perez forced his way into the home, shooting and killing both Freeman and Suarez during the same incident.
Alma Suarez remembers AJ as a caring, family man with a big future ahead.
“I want him to be remembered as someone who was a man who was dedicated to his family and to his loved ones,” said Alma. “This year was going to be the year that he finally got the house that he had been looking for and he was starting that process. He got himself a new vehicle. He paid out of all his debt.”
Alma said AJ and Freeman were casually dating and AJ would often go to Freeman’s house. But she said AJ never mentioned Freeman’s previous partners.
We went to AJ’s gravesite with Alma. Right now, there are flowers, balloons and his favorite beer Dos Equis sitting at his plot.
“His birthday was about a week after his passing, which was devastating for our family,” said Alma. “But we do plan on, you know, still celebrating him every year.”
Alma hopes AJ’s life is not forgotten and has a message for anyone struggling with domestic violence.
“I do encourage women to speak up whenever they feel threatened,” said Alma. “Because not only did she get hurt, but someone else being my brother got hurt in the process.”
According to the Texas Council on Family Violence, 205 Texans were killed by an intimate partner or stalker in 2023 and the perpetrators also killed 16 family members, friends or bystanders.
If you or someone you know is struggling with domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
According to Harris County District Court documents, Rivera-Perez was given a $750,000 bail. As of Wednesday morning, Rivera-Perez is still in Harris County Jail and has a hearing date set for March 25.