HOUSTON – A birthday celebration turned tragic when gunfire erupted at a southeast Houston house party, leaving one dead and 15 others injured.
Christian Sanchez says he was trying to enjoy the night with friends when a fight broke out and chaos followed.
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“We were just there, fights broke out, and then they started shooting,” Sanchez told KPRC 2’s Ricky Munoz. “Unfortunately, one of our friends got shot. We had to pick him up and put him in the back of my truck. He bled out in the back of my car and passed away.”
Sanchez and others performed CPR, but it was too late.
The 18-year-old victim is someone he called a good person, someone who “didn’t deserve what happened.”
He died just moments after whispering words Sanchez will never forget.
“He was telling us to not let him go,” Sanchez said. “We were holding his hand the whole time. That was basically the last thing he said. And after that, he just passed out.”
Flyer warned ‘no guns’ – but witnesses say party was out of control
A flyer for the party, obtained by KPRC 2, shows it was promoted in advance and included a clear message: ’No guns. Leave the BS at home.’
But Sanchez believes there was little security and multiple entrances.
He believes that’s part of what allowed the violence to escalate.
“It wasn’t a controlled party. There were little kids there. It shouldn’t have been like that,” he said.
Witnesses estimate 100 or more people were at the party.
The gunfire began at midnight, and Houston Police said the number of rounds fired was staggering. One man described hearing more than 100 shots.
‘Everybody has a gun now’
Ignacio Chavez wasn’t inside the party, but rushed to the scene to check on his girlfriend. Police wouldn’t let him near her.
“I tried to give her a blanket. They were like, ‘Give it to me, I’ll give it to her,’” Chavez said.
He said the shooting reminded him of another party that was shot up during a senior skip day in Galveston.
“This happens commonly,” he said. “These days, everybody got a gun. I’ve seen 14, 13-year-olds with guns. You can’t even have an argument with somebody — they’ll pull a gun on you.”
Advice from those who lived it
Sanchez and Chavez said these types of gatherings, meant to celebrate the end of the school year, need to be taken more seriously.
“If you’re going to host a party, have security. Search people. If a fight breaks out, kick them out,” Sanchez said.
“If your parents tell you not to go somewhere, listen,” Chavez added “If you get a bad feeling, don’t go. Come for a bit, then leave. Because these things can happen.”
What’s Next
At last check, multiple victims remain hospitalized, including some teenagers. HPD confirmed that 15 people were injured, ranging from 16 to 40 years old.
Houston Police are asking anyone with video or information to come forward as they continue to search for suspects. There are no suspects in custody at this time.
You can submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Houston online or by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477).
