Ricardo Ricky Gonzalez Jr was a 15-year-old student at Cano Freshman Academy in Harlingen, Texas, who was shot in the parking lot of a Burger King on South 77 Sunshine Strip on April 27, 2021. He was taken to Valley Baptist Medical Center, placed on life support, and later taken off life support on May 4, 2021; he died on April 30, 2021 (reports give these dates around his hospitalization and death). Ricky enjoyed basketball and football, spent time with friends, and is remembered for his infectious smile and positive energy by family and the community.

The Harlingen Police Department arrested a 16-year-old suspect and charged that person with manslaughter; the suspect was being held at the Darrell B. Hester Juvenile Detention Center and the investigation was ongoing. Ricky’s family has received community support and has held tributes and memorials in his memory.

If anyone who knew Ricky or saw activity at the Burger King parking lot on April 27, 2021 has information that could help the investigation, please come forward.