Carlos Fabian Cardenas

Carlos Fabian Cardenas was a beloved son, brother, and uncle who spent his entire life in his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas. The 33-year-old Hispanic man, born on August 18, 1988, was known for a deep love of history, archaeology, nature, and music. After graduating from North Crowley High School in 2007 and briefly attending Tarrant County College, Carlos worked for various local firms. He was remembered by friends and family for his commitment to helping others, and he often volunteered his time at local churches and charities, driven by a passion to make the world a better place.

On the night of Saturday, April 23, 2022, Carlos’s life was tragically cut short by an act of gun violence. Fort Worth police officers were dispatched to a residence in the 5200 block of Wosley Drive after receiving a report of a shooting. Inside the home, they discovered Carlos suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper body. Despite the arrival of emergency medical services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Homicide detectives immediately launched an investigation, determining that the fatal shooting likely occurred during a robbery. Their work quickly led to the arrests of two suspects: 28-year-old Charles Kidd and 26-year-old Ceara Johnson. Authorities charged Kidd with capital murder and Johnson with murder for their alleged roles in Carlos’s death. As the investigation continued, authorities arrested a third suspect, who was also charged with murder in connection with the killing.

With three individuals facing charges, the case against those accused in the death of Carlos Cardenas has moved into the judicial system for litigation. The untimely death of Carlos left a profound void in his community and among his loved ones. He was survived by his parents, Carlos and Cynthia Cardenas, his sister, Maria Cardenas, and his niece, Noel Arianna, along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. His family remembers him as a "great kid" and a loving person who will be forever missed.