Marisol Ramirez, age 18, was identified as one of three individuals killed in a shooting in Slaton, Texas, on January 11, 2026. The incident occurred inside a home on East Floyd Street and has left the community shaken.
According to police reports, the gunman was identified as 27-year-old George Cantu. Investigators say Cantu entered the home armed with a handgun during the late evening hours. He opened fire on those inside, fatally shooting Marisol Ramirez and her cousin, 23-year-old Araceli Valdez. Two others, 24-year-old Isaiah Chapa and 24-year-old Jasmine Rivas, were also shot and seriously injured.
Authorities believe the motive stemmed from ongoing domestic disputes involving Cantu and his common-law ex-wife, Jasmine Rivas. After shooting the victims, Cantu turned the gun on himself, dying at the scene. Police confirmed that the incident was contained to the residence and that there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Emergency responders arrived quickly after multiple 911 calls were made by neighbors who heard gunfire. Despite their efforts, Marisol and Araceli were pronounced dead at the scene. The two surviving victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment, where they remain under medical care.
The deaths of Marisol Ramirez and Araceli Valdez have devastated their families and the wider Slaton community. Marisol, only 18, was remembered as a young woman with her future ahead of her. Vigils are being organized to honor the victims, with residents expressing grief and frustration over the senseless violence.
The investigation remains ongoing, with detectives gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to piece together the full timeline of events. For now, Slaton mourns the loss of Marisol Ramirez, whose life was cut short in a tragedy that underscores the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities.
