HOUSTON – A Houston teenager who was shot in his yard while burying his guinea pig is now recovering at home after weeks in the hospital.
His alleged shooter remains on the run — and the victim’s family says they’re the ones doing the work to find him.
Shot steps from his mother’s window
Emmanuel Menchaca said he had just returned home from work and was outside with his younger brother, burying their pet guinea pig near the side of their home. As they made their way back toward the front of the house, he was suddenly shot.
“I just felt myself go forward, like a push… and then I started to see my chest full of blood,” Menchaca said.
Home surveillance video shows Emmanuel and his brother walking side by side before he collapses just outside the front of the house.
“Thank God I was able to get up as quickly as I did. Once I was inside, that’s when it all hit me. I didn’t think I was going to make it.”
Menchaca was shot multiple times and rushed to the hospital, where he was placed in intensive care.
Accused shooter identified by name and eyewitness
Court documents identify the suspect as John Martin Dixon, a neighbor who lived just feet away at 7711 Belgard Street.
According to an affidavit from Houston police, Menchaca’s younger brother told investigators he saw Dixon holding a firearm during the shooting and later made eye contact with him. He positively identified Dixon in a photo lineup, confirming he was the man who fired at them.
BACKGROUND: Teen shot while burying pet guinea pig fights for life in ICU, family pleads for justice
The criminal complaint filed by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office states Dixon shot Menchaca with a deadly weapon, causing serious bodily injury. The warrant charges him with felony aggravated assault, but as of now, he has not been arrested.
No arrest weeks after shooting
Despite the identification and evidence gathered, Menchaca says Dixon was not arrested or questioned the night of the shooting.
“It was always the same — just a ‘hi’ and that was it,” Menchaca said. “I don’t know what I did to deserve getting shot.”
He says in the weeks since, it’s been his own family — not law enforcement — trying to locate Dixon.
“They’re getting paid while my mom is the one doing what they should be doing.”
READ MORE: Family of teen shot while burying pet guinea pig speaks out, demands justice
Physically, Emmanuel says he’s unable to return to work or the gym. Mentally, the trauma weighs even heavier.
“I went to the park the other day and just watched everyone play soccer. I had to leave. I couldn’t take it.”
He recently returned to the family home for the first time since the shooting.
“The last memory I had there was when it all happened.”
“Step up. What you did wasn’t right. To this day, one of my biggest questions is why. I don’t know why he would shoot me. I was doing nothing.”
To those who may question what happened:
“I get it — it sounds confusing. But that’s the truth. There’s no reason behind it. That’s how crazy it is.”
Despite the pain, Emmanuel says he’s trying to move forward with hope and future plans.
“I want to go to college, finish my basics, find a major I can commit to, and have my own house by 25.”
And to those who’ve supported him:
“Thank you. There were moments in the hospital I wanted to give up… but knowing I had support kept me going.”
If you have any information that could help Houston police find the suspect, call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
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