Esteban Gonzalez was 16 when he was fatally shot on March 7, 2021, in Lake Worth Beach, Florida. He was in the driver’s seat of a silver Toyota Corolla with friends when a revolver that was being passed around in the back seat was handled by another teen, 16-year-old Diego Pedro Jose. The firearm accidentally discharged and struck Gonzalez in the head; the car then crashed at Lake Avenue and South E Street. Gonzalez was taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach and died three days later.

The death was investigated as a potential homicide but court records say evidence pointed to an accidental shooting. Jose was charged with manslaughter with a firearm; he later pled guilty and received a 10-year sentence, the plea and sentence reflecting his age and minimal criminal history. Gonzalez’s mother maintained she believed the shooting was intentional during court hearings, but the court concluded the actions were reckless rather than premeditated.

If anyone witnessed the crash or the moments inside the car that night, please share what was seen or heard.