On December 19, 2019, 16-year-old Jesse Ramirez IV was fatally shot in Southeast Austin in the 2600 block of Collins Creek. Jesse, a Hispanic male, was hit when a 14-year-old friend produced a handgun while a group of juveniles were playing video games; the younger teen said he was pointing the weapon as a joke when it accidentally discharged. Jesse was taken to hospital and died the next day after the medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.

The 14-year-old was arrested and initially charged with aggravated assault; police indicated the charge was likely to be upgraded after the homicide ruling. The shooting drew attention because of the ages involved and the apparent accidental circumstances. Jesse’s family and community remembered him as a beloved brother, son, and uncle; his funeral was held December 22, 2019, and he was buried at Live Oak Cemetery in Manchaca, Texas.

Who in Southeast Austin remembers Jesse or has information about what happened that night?