A Texas father suffered a fatal medical episode while trying to tend to his teenage son, who died after being accidentally shot by his younger brother.
The Texas City Police Department says they were investigating a shooting after 1 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 13. Joshua Gonzales, 17, was found dead at the scene after his 15-year-old brother accidentally discharged a gun inside their home, police allege.
While attempting to treat Joshua, police say his father, Julian, “suffered a fatal medical episode.” Police did not specify what type of medical episode he suffered.
The 15-year-old was questioned by police and eventually released pending further investigation. Police say the district attorney’s office will review the incident.
Julian, who went by Jay, was a beloved tattoo artist who owned a studio in Texas City, Fox 26 reported.
“He wasn’t my blood family, but he was my brother,” his business partner Melo Salazar told the outlet. “He was all about those boys. He was a single father. So, he did a lot for them. Everything was for them.”
Click 2 Houston reported, citing the Texas City police chief, that Jay witnessed the entire incident between his sons.
KHOU reported a statement from the Texas City Independent School District that confirmed Joshua was a student there.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our students, and our thoughts are with the family and all those who cared for them during this difficult time,” the district said in the reported statement.
