TEXAS CITY, TX — A devastating sequence of events unfolded in the early hours of January 13, 2025, leaving a Texas City family mourning the loss of two loved ones. According to the Texas City Police Department, officers responded to a weapons-related incident at approximately 1:23 a.m. in the 300 block of 10th Avenue North.

Upon arrival, law enforcement found 17-year-old Joshua Gonzales deceased from a gunshot wound. Investigators later determined that the firearm had been accidentally discharged by Joshua’s 15-year-old brother. Adding to the tragedy, their father, Julian Gonzales, suffered a fatal heart attack while attempting to administer life-saving measures to his older son.

Authorities questioned the 15-year-old, who was later released pending further investigation. The case remains under review by the district attorney’s office, and additional details are expected as the investigation progresses.

The police have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to community safety.

This incident underscores the critical importance of proper firearm storage and safety practices. While the exact circumstances of how the 15-year-old gained access to the firearm remain unclear, this tragedy highlights the need to secure firearms, particularly in homes with minors. Firearms should always be stored unloaded in a locked safe or secured with a trigger lock, with ammunition stored separately.

It is equally vital to teach children and teenagers about firearm safety, including the “Four Rules of Firearm Safety“:

1. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
2. Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.
4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

Proper education and secure storage go hand in hand to prevent accidental discharges like this one, which had such tragic consequences.

Finally, our thoughts are with the surviving 15-year-old. We hope he receives the support and counseling needed to cope with the profound loss of his brother and father. Incidents like this are a solemn reminder of how easily lives can be forever altered when firearms fall into the wrong hands—whether intentionally or accidentally.

Firearm safety is a shared responsibility, and as gun owners, we must take every precaution to prevent these tragedies from occurring.