The Cielo Vista Mall shooting, which occurred on Wednesday and left one person dead and three others injured, was the subject of fresh information released by the El Paso Police Department on Friday.
Police said that on Wednesday, a 16-year-old entered Cielo Vista Mall and killed a 17-year-old who has since been named as Angeles Zaragoza.
According to the police, a dispute between two groups took place close to the food court area at around 5:05 p.m.
According to the police, the first group included Angeles Zaragoza, 17, a critically injured 17-year-old male, a 17-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy, a 14-year-old boy, and a 14-year-old girl.
The 16-year-old child who has been identified as the shooter, a 20-year-old male who was hurt, a 17-year-old boy, and a 15-year-old boy made up the second group, according to police.
According to police, the altercation between the two groups turned physical, and the 16-year-old suspect allegedly produced a weapon. The handgun’s reported theft has been confirmed by the police.
“It’s always worrying, but it’s extremely worrisome when a 16-year-old uses a stolen firearm inside of a busy mall. In fact, it’s highly disturbing and cause for great concern. said Sergeant Robert Gomez of the El Paso police.
Following the incident, the 16-year-old suspect started running while pointing the gun at onlookers, one of whom being Emanuel Duran, 32, a licensed carrier who has been identified by authorities. According to authorities, Duran pulled his revolver while the 16-year-old was running toward him and bystanders. Duran then shot the boy.
A mall employee who was an off-duty El Paso police officer arrived at the scene of the shooting and assisted Duran in aiding the 16-year-old suspect and other victims.
Police said that the investigation is ongoing and that the 16-year-old suspect is facing charges. His condition was steady when last listed.
Two shooting victims are still in serious condition, according to a Thursday update from the University Medical Center of El Paso. In a statement, Del Sol Medical Center said it had treated one of the shooting victims, who was in fair condition.
