On the evening of May 13, 2023, 32-year-old Matthew Davis was fatally shot while working at the Sonic Drive-In on South Old Betsy Road in Keene, Texas. The shooting occurred around 9:40 p.m. after Angel Gomez, 20, arrived with his 12-year-old nephew and began causing a disturbance in the parking lot. Davis confronted Gomez and a physical altercation followed. During the scuffle the 12-year-old retrieved an AR-style rifle from Gomez’s vehicle and fired multiple shots that struck Davis. Davis was airlifted to Harris Methodist Hospital but did not survive.

Gomez and the juvenile fled but were apprehended soon afterward. Gomez returned to the Sonic and was arrested on a murder warrant; the juvenile was found in nearby Rio Vista and firearms were recovered. Both were charged with murder. In October 2023 the 12-year-old was adjudicated delinquent for Davis’s murder and in November 2023 was sentenced to 12 years in juvenile incarceration; his identity remains undisclosed because of his age. Davis was a father to a 10-year-old son; family and friends described him as a dedicated worker and loving parent. A GoFundMe was created to assist with funeral expenses and to support his son.

What information might help clarify how the juvenile obtained the rifle and whether changes in local gun access or supervision could prevent similar tragedies?