UPDATE: An update on this incident was released by EPPD Thursday, stating that the accused 16-year-old suspect has been referred to the Juvenile Probation Department with a charge of murder, and three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso Police Department released new information Friday regarding the Cielo Vista Mall shooting that left one person dead and three others injured Wednesday.
According to police, a 16-year-old shot three people inside Cielo Vista Mall Wednesday and killed a 17-year-old who has now been identified to be Angeles Zaragoza.
Police say at around 5:05 p.m., a confrontation happened between two groups near the food court area.
Police confirm that the first group consisted of 17-year-old Angeles Zaragoza, a 17-year-old boy who was seriously injured, a 17-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy, a 14-year-old boy, and a 14-year-old girl.
Police confirm the second group consisted of a 16-year-old boy, who has been identified as the shooter, a 20-year-old man who was injured, a 17-year boy, and a 15-year-old boy.
Police say the confrontation between the two groups escalated into a physical fight and the 16-year-old suspect reportedly pulled out a handgun. Police have confirmed the handgun was reported to be stolen.
“It’s always concerning especially when a 16-year-old has a stolen handgun and fires a weapon inside a very crowded mall. It’s very concerning, it’s very disturbing actually.” said El Paso police Sergeant Robert Gomez.
After the shooting, the 16-year-old suspect began to run and pointed the gun towards bystanders, including 32-year-old Emanuel Duran, who has been identified by police to be a licensed to carry holder. As the 16-year-old ran towards Duran and bystanders, Duran drew his handgun and shot him, according to police.
An off-duty El Paso police officer who was working at a store in the mall arrived at the area of the shooting and helped Duran provide aid to the 16-year-old suspect and others who were injured.
According to police, the investigation continues, and charges are pending against the 16-year-old suspect. He was last listed in stable condition.
The University Medical Center of El Paso provided an update Thursday, stating two victims who were injured from the shooting were still in critical condition. Del Sol Medical Center also released a statement, stating they received one of the shooting victims and was in fair condition.
