Shawn Sanchez was a 14-year-old boy from Robstown, Texas, remembered by family as a loving brother and a devoted son whose interests were sports, video games and making people laugh. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, gunfire erupted at the Figueroa Square Apartments on Ruben Chavez Road. Investigators say a silver Chevy truck drove into the complex, several men exited and opened fire, striking Shawn multiple times; he was found gravely wounded and died of his injuries, the county medical examiner confirmed.

Police linked the ambush to an earlier confrontation two days before, in the early morning hours of Sunday, November 16, on the 700 block of West Avenue C, where a 16-year-old was shot after a dispute over money involving a 17-year-old acquaintance. Detectives say friends of the suspect from that shooting sought retaliation; a juvenile allegedly lured Shawn outside and a convoy returned in the silver truck. Officers later located that truck, recovered multiple firearms inside and arrested 18-year-old Elias Eric Rivera, who was charged with murder and held on bond. Authorities say they are still seeking three additional males believed to have participated and the juvenile who allegedly lured Shawn remains unnamed.

Robstown ISD increased security and counseling services after the killing, and the community organized donations to help Shawn’s family with funeral expenses. Anyone who knew Shawn or has information about the shooting is asked to come forward.