KILLEEN, TX — A tragic incident unfolded on January 23 when a young man, identified as Hanley, accidentally shot and killed his friend, Raymon Cruz, while they were allegedly playing with a firearm. According to police, the shooting occurred in a home on the 3700 block of Dustin Avenue, turning what appeared to be a playful moment into a heartbreaking loss.
The 911 Call: A Desperate Plea for Help
The situation came to light when Hanley made a frantic 911 call. According to the affidavit, he told the dispatcher, “I just shot my friend. He’s bleeding. Come help me. We was playing around with a gun.”
When officers arrived at the scene, Hanley, visibly distraught, met them outside and immediately admitted to the shooting. Witnesses reported that he repeatedly apologized to Cruz’s family, saying, “I just shot my best friend.”
Inside the Scene: Evidence of the Tragedy
Upon entering the house, police discovered Cruz’s lifeless body with a gunshot wound to the head. A Taurus firearm and a spent shell casing were found nearby, indicating that the shooting took place in the bedroom where the two friends had been moments earlier.
Investigators said the shooting appeared unintentional, but the circumstances surrounding it prompted authorities to press charges. Hanley was taken into custody and is currently being held in the Bell County Jail with a bond set at $120,000.
Witness Accounts: A Dangerous Game Turned Deadly
Police interviewed three witnesses who were in the house during the incident. Two of these witnesses stated that they were in a different bedroom when the shot was fired. One of them described hearing laughter coming from the room where Hanley and Cruz were, followed by a sudden, single gunshot.
The third witness, who had been in the same room before the shooting, provided more details. According to the affidavit, the two friends were “dancing around with the gun like rappers do in music videos.” The witness said they briefly left the room, and as they stepped away, they heard the fatal shot.
Community Reaction: Shock and Grief
The incident has left the local community in shock. Cruz was described by friends and family as a friendly, outgoing young man who enjoyed music and spending time with his peers. Hanley, now facing criminal charges, is also being remembered as a teenager who made a devastating mistake.
Parents in Killeen are using this tragedy as a sobering reminder about the importance of firearm safety. Community leaders are calling for more education on responsible gun ownership and the dangers of mishandling firearms.
Legal Proceedings: What Happens Next?
Hanley remains in custody as the investigation continues. Authorities are reviewing the evidence to determine the exact sequence of events that led to Cruz’s death. While the shooting appears accidental, the fact that the teenagers were allegedly playing with a loaded firearm raises questions about negligence and accountability.
If convicted, Hanley could face significant legal consequences, including potential prison time. His family has not publicly commented on the case.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of firearms, especially when handled irresponsibly. The tragic loss of Raymon Cruz underscores the importance of educating young people about gun safety and the potential consequences of playing with weapons.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is left mourning the loss of a young life and grappling with the irreversible consequences of a moment of reckless behavior.
