An uncle has now been charged after fatally shooting his nephew in north Houston late last week.
First responders responded to a report of a shooting at 6019 Velma Ln. on Friday, October 21, around 6:25 p.m.
Upon arrival, they found a 12-year-old that had been suffering from a gunshot wound. Paramedics were unable to help him and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Cesar Chavez, 22, was identified as both the shooter and the boy’s uncle.
According to the Houston Police Department, “Chavez told investigators his nephew was playing with a toy gun and he wanted to play with him. Chavez grabbed his weapon, thinking it was unloaded, and fired, striking the victim once.”
The Houston Police Department officially released Monday morning that Chavez is now charged with manslaughter in the 228th State District Court, a 2nd-degree felony.
According to court documents, the weapon was a shotgun. Before he pointed the shotgun at his 12-year-old nephew, he also pointed it at his 17-year-old nephew as they were playing outside the home.
The District Attorney originally requested Chavez’s bond to be set at $150,000. Chavez’s bond was set for $100,000. At this time he has not posted bail and remains in jail in Harris County, TX. He does not have a prior criminal history in Harris County.
As a reminder, you should treat every weapon like it is loaded, (never assume it is unloaded) and never point a gun at anything you do not intend to shoot.
We will follow this case and will update you as we learn more.
