Two families who lost their loved ones to gun violence organized a rally to bring awareness to the rising problem.
PASADENA, Texas — On Sunday, dozens of people gathered in the Pasadena area to bring awareness to gun violence.
Two families organized the event on Spencer Highway near Center Street. Multiple small businesses and car clubs from across Houston showed their support for the cause.
It meant a lot to the families of two 18-year-old men whose lives were cut short due to gun violence. The De La O family is mourning their loved one, 18-year-old Tony Maximus De La O.
“Although my brother’s murder happened in January, we’re here now in June, and we still don’t have any leads,” Mercades De La O, Max’s sister, said.
Houston Police said De La O was found shot to death in a car in Southwest Houston. He just turned 18 two days before his death.
Another family is also facing similar grief. Nancy Gutierrez lost her son, Miguel “Mickey” Gonzalez Jr., who was shot and killed at an apartment complex off Willow Place Drive on March 1. Like Max, Mickey was just 18 years old.
“They had their futures planned, and she sent me a message telling me my condolences. I send mine back,” Gutierrez said.
She said she wanted to do something to make a difference.
She asked for several vendors and Houston automotive clubs to come out on Sunday to support the Stop The Violence event. She wants to make it a recurring event.
“There [are] more people burying their people now, and it’s not something I wish upon anyone, but unfortunately it’s happening,” Gutierrez said.
Gun violence is also occurring at an alarming rate. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice said statewide juvenile homicide charges increased 108% from 2019 to 2024. Four people were charged with Gonzalez Jr.’s murder; the suspects are 20, 18, 17, and 16 years old, according to HPD.
These families want others to understand that the problem is serious.
“Although it’s not your circumstance, nor have you experienced it, or even if you have, bring awareness to this so many families don’t continue to be affected by it,” De La O said.
De La O is asking anyone with information about Max’s death to come forward. Meanwhile, Gutierrez said she is raising money to buy a headstone for her son’s grave.