Alexander Villegas, 18 and a student at Royse City High School, was shot at a residence in the 6100 block of County Road 2597 in Royse City, Texas, on August 30, 2024. Officers arrived about 11 p.m. and found him conscious with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. He told officers the gun had discharged while he was handling it, and he was taken to a local hospital where he later died.

Investigators later found inconsistencies between that initial account and the physical evidence. Detectives searched the home and re-interviewed three juveniles who had been there. Authorities determined a 16-year-old friend was negligently handling the firearm when it discharged and struck Villegas. The 16-year-old was detained and charged with criminally negligent homicide; the juvenile’s name has not been released.

Family and friends remember Villegas for his selflessness and loving nature, and a memorial page has been set up. Does anyone who knew Alexander or was in that neighborhood on August 30 have information that could help clarify what happened?