On May 14, 2023, at about 1:20 a.m. Dallas police responded to a shooting in the 900 block of Hoke Smith Drive in Oak Cliff and found 49-year-old Carlos Gonzalez with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was taken to Methodist Central Hospital and pronounced dead. The shooting occurred during a family gathering at Gonzalez’s home, a birthday celebration for his 6-year-old grandchild, while music played throughout the evening.

Neighbors had been disputing the noise. Lonnie Holcombe, 54, who lived next door, had reportedly expressed frustration previously. When Gonzalez’s son arrived with music playing from his vehicle, Holcombe allegedly fired a BB gun at the truck, damaging it and striking Gonzalez, who was in the bed of the truck. A confrontation followed; family members say Holcombe struck one person, a fight broke out, and while being subdued Holcombe drew a 9mm handgun and shot Gonzalez in the chest. Holcombe stayed at the scene and was arrested and charged with murder.

Gonzalez’s family is mourning and seeking justice. Did anyone around Hoke Smith Drive witness the party or the confrontation that night?