Fourteen-year-old Zaydrian Valdez of Lubbock, Texas, died from a gunshot wound on December 3, 2023. According to court documents, Valdez and five others — including two juveniles — had been involved in vehicle burglaries that resulted in the theft of two firearms from an unlocked vehicle in the 3000 block of South Loop 289. While the group was traveling near 82nd Street and Highway 87, a firearm discharged inside the vehicle and fatally struck Valdez.

After the shooting the group took Valdez to University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Five teenagers later turned themselves in. Alyssa Gonzales, 18, admitted to firing the weapon and faces charges including criminally negligent homicide and engaging in organized criminal activity. Two 17-year-olds, Angelina Estrada and Dehvin Garcia, were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity; Garcia also faces a weapon charge. A 16-year-old was charged with theft of a firearm and engaging in organized criminal activity, and a 13-year-old was charged with theft of a firearm, engaging in organized criminal activity, and tampering with evidence. The family described Valdez as a beloved son and set up a GoFundMe for funeral expenses.

If anyone has information about the thefts or the events that led to the shooting, please share what is known.