HOUSTON – A large number of people showed up Saturday afternoon to pay their respects and say goodbye to 19-year-old César Cortés.
Cortés died Tuesday after being shot in the chest by a fellow student at Bellaire High School Tuesday, investigators said.
Cortés’ funeral was at West University Baptist Church. The service was open to friends, students and the community.
The funeral services ended at 5 p.m when family members brought out Cortes’ casket and placed it into the hearse.
Once the hearse drove away, the crowd standing outside the church began clapping, which served as a sign of admiration and appreciation of the life Cortes lead and lived.
The 16-year-old suspect in the shooting has been charged with manslaughter. While investigators have not released a motive for the shooting, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said the shooting may have been unintentional.
Police said the suspect has been uncooperative.