An 18-year-old Jordan DeLaCruz was fatally shot on the night of Friday, February 6, 2026, inside an apartment at the Windmill Apartments in San Angelo, Texas. Officers from the San Angelo Police Department were dispatched to the 1900 block of Raney Street at approximately 8:44 p.m. after receiving a report of a shooting victim. Upon arrival, they found DeLaCruz suffering from a gunshot wound and immediately transported him to Shannon Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Inside the apartment, officers encountered 19-year-old Norberto Gonzales, who was taken into custody without incident. According to the preliminary investigation, both Gonzales and DeLaCruz were reportedly recklessly handling a handgun when it discharged, striking DeLaCruz. Authorities have since charged Gonzales with manslaughter in connection with the shooting.
The Windmill Apartments, located in a quiet residential area of San Angelo, became the center of a tragic scene as investigators worked late into the night to gather evidence. Police cordoned off the area and interviewed neighbors and potential witnesses to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting. The weapon involved was recovered at the scene and is undergoing forensic analysis.
Friends and family of Jordan DeLaCruz have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a young man described as kind-hearted and full of potential. Social media tributes poured in over the weekend, with classmates and relatives sharing memories of his humor, loyalty, and dreams for the future. His death has left a void in the lives of those who knew him.
Norberto Gonzales, now facing a manslaughter charge, remains in custody as the legal process unfolds. Authorities have emphasized that while the shooting appears to have been unintentional, the reckless handling of a firearm led to irreversible consequences. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of improper gun use, especially among young adults.
As the San Angelo community grapples with the tragedy, local leaders and residents are calling for increased awareness around firearm safety. The incident has reignited conversations about responsible gun ownership and the importance of education in preventing similar tragedies. Jordan DeLaCruz’s life, cut short at just 18, is now a symbol of the urgent need for change.
