Gilbert Billy De La Torre was 22 and from Laredo, Texas when he was killed in a shooting at TKO Sports Café on February 13, 2022. His death was one of three in that incident; Cesar Samuel Escobar and Jose Mario Luna III were the other victims.

The shooter, Joe Manuel Martinez, was initially charged with three counts of murder. Martinez later pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter in the deaths of De La Torre and Escobar; the charge related to Luna was dismissed after a self-defense claim. Martinez received a 15-year sentence for the manslaughter convictions, to run concurrently. Victims’ families expressed anger and disappointment with the plea and the Webb County District Attorney’s Office, citing frustration over communication and transparency.

Gilbert’s death deeply affected his family and the community. If anyone knew Gilbert, was at TKO Sports Café that night, or has information about the events leading up to the shooting, please share what you remember.