HOUSTON – 13-year-old Anthony Lopez’s stepmother, Anji Cardinal and his mother, Monica Medina, held onto each other Wednesday as they talked about the moment they learned he died in a shooting.
“The only reason we knew he was gone was because his friend, who tried to save his life, called us and told us. He tried CPR, he tried to save our boy, he did everything he could,” said Cardinal.
“My son’s last words were ‘What’s happening to me?’” said Medina.
Investigators said a 15-year-old boy shot Lopez with an AR-15 inside an apartment off Wanda Lane. The 15-year-old told police he threw the gun in the bayou after the shooting, but police found it a drainage pipe in the opposite direction.
A witness told police the shooting was an accident, but after police gathered more information, the 15-year-old is now charged with manslaughter.
The witness would not give police a statement, according to the District Attorney’s office. Investigators said the 15-year-old’s guardians left him home alone while they left to work in a different state.
“We would like for the other teens that were there with our son, to please come forward and please let officers, let the detectives know what really happened,” said Cardinal.
Medina said her son lives in Washington state and was in Houston visiting her.
“We were just at the pool the same night with my family and my kids and it’s just so unreal. I feel like it’s a dream, a terrible, horrible dream. I just still can’t believe it,” said Medina.
Anthony’s family said he loved sports and had big-league dreams.
“He was kind, he was sweet, he was caring, respectful. Known and loved by all of his coaches and family. He was determined. Our baby was going to the NFL. He was funny. He was full of love and he had the biggest heart anyone could ask for,” said Cardinal.
The name of the shooter has not been released since he is charged as a minor.