Arturo Alexis Sauceda was an 18-year-old Hispanic student and a rising senior at Santa Rosa High School who played left tackle as a starting lineman for the Warriors, wearing number 68. Teammates and coaches described him as someone who lifted others’ spirits and made an impact on everyone.

On the night of July 22, 2023, a domestic violence incident in San Perlita turned fatal. Around 10:30 p.m., Arturo’s stepfather, Jose Villalobos, was reportedly threatening Arturo’s mother, Lidia, with a gun outside the family home on 7th Street. Arturo went out to check on his mother; after she said she was okay and he turned to go back inside, Villalobos opened fire, fatally wounding Arturo and critically injuring his mother. Deputies with the Willacy County Sheriff’s Office arrested Villalobos, who was charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The community mourned: the school named Arturo an honorary captain for the coming season, players wore his number on their helmets, and a candlelight vigil was held. If anyone knew Arturo, his family, or saw anything related to that night, please share information that could help the ongoing record of the case.