HOUSTON – Houston police are investigating the shocking death of a 16-year-old girl who was shot 22 times while walking her dog in a southwest Houston neighborhood Tuesday night.
The shooting happened in the 15400 block of Park Manor around 9:30 p.m.
When units arrived at the location, officers found the teen, who has been identified by her family as Diamond Alvarez, with multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to investigators, Alvarez was walking their family dog named Peanut when the shooting happened. The family told officers that they heard gunshots outside and became concerned for her. The girl’s mother told police she called her daughter, but received no response. The girl’s mother and stepfather then went outside to find the dog outside their home. The family said they immediately knew something was wrong.
After searching the neighborhood, they found their loved one a few blocks away lying in a field.
“I tried CPR. I couldn’t bring her back. I tried so hard to keep her alive,” Anna Machado, the girl’s mother, said.
Alvarez’s family told KPRC 2 she was a sophomore and honor student at Madison High School. The teen planned on attending cosmetology school one day. They have set up a GoFundMe page to help with expenses.
“Whoever shot this girl 22 times in the back, they are cowards,” Tito Moczygemba, Alvarez’s stepfather, said.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and then the sound of tires squealing as a vehicle fled the area, according to HPD.
Police said a dark-colored vehicle that was seen traveling north on Markwood could have possibly been involved in the shooting. They are looking in the area to see if any surveillance video is available.
Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.