A Christmas party in Texas ended in tragedy after a noise complaint spiraled into a deadly confrontation, leaving a 29-year-old man shot and killed outside a home.
The fatal shooting happened just before 6 a.m. on Dec. 21 at a residence in San Antonio, according to reports from KSAT, WOAI, and KENS. Police say Paul Flores, 40, went to a nearby home to complain about noise coming from what was later confirmed to be a Christmas gathering.
Authorities allege Flores got into a heated argument in the front yard with Edward Trejo, 29. The dispute quickly escalated, and police say Flores pulled out a gun and opened fire.
Trejo was shot multiple times, including in the neck, and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to KSAT.
Flores was arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, jail records show. It is not yet clear whether he has entered a plea or hired an attorney.
In the days following the shooting, Trejo’s family and friends gathered in large numbers to honor him with a balloon release, turning their grief into a public show of love and remembrance.
“He had a big heart,” friend Vanessa Fernandez told KSAT. “He loved everybody.”
Trejo’s twin brother, Christian, said Edward was someone his family could always rely on.
“He did a lot for us,” Christian told the station. “He always had our back. He always had anybody’s back.”
A GoFundMe created to support Trejo’s family has raised nearly $30,000 as loved ones mourn the sudden loss.
“Our hearts are shattered as we mourn the sudden and tragic loss of our beloved Edward,” the fundraiser organizer wrote. “Edward’s laughter, kindness, and love touched everyone who knew him, and his absence leaves a hole in our hearts that can never be filled.”