A family celebration in Balch Springs, Texas, turned tragic when a father was fatally shot just after midnight on July 27. The town is about 20 miles south of Dallas.
Cristian Gabriel Montes, 35, had been celebrating his son’s baptism and his daughter’s birthday when he was killed, according to the San Luis Obispo Tribune, KDFW, and KXAS.
Police arrested 19-year-old Leonardo Campos Torres at the scene after witnesses identified him as the shooter. Torres later admitted to the shooting, KDFW reported, but claimed he acted in self-defense.
According to the San Luis Obispo Tribune, Torres and Montes were distant relatives. An affidavit obtained by the outlet said that witnesses told police the two clashed at the party because of Torres’ behavior that night.
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“Witnesses reported that earlier in the evening, Campos had been seen firing a handgun in the driveway area near his parked Chevrolet Tahoe,” the affidavit stated. “Montes reportedly confronted Campos about his actions, which led to a verbal argument that turned into a physical fight. During the fight, Campos drew a firearm and shot Montes.”
KXAS, citing the affidavit, reported that doctors at Baylor University Medical Center said Montes was shot twice, including once in the back while he was either turning away or falling.
Cristal Flores, Montes’ cousin who said she was present at the party, disputed Torres’ claim of self-defense. She added that the injuries shown in Torres’ mugshot came when he tried to run away before police arrived.
“We will get justice. I will fight for you cousin. Your life is worth fighting for, and I will always keep your memory alive,” Flores wrote on Facebook.
