Two teenagers were arrested in connection with a fatal drive-by shooting that resulted in the death of a 25-year-old woman, Novita Brazil, who was inadvertently caught in the crossfire at her San Antonio, Texas home in October 2022.
The accused, 17-year-old Isaac Gonzales and 15-year-old Rene Gonzales, allegedly fired over 100 bullets into Brazil’s residence, believing they were retaliating against a rival gang who had previously shot at them. Tragically, the two had targeted the wrong house, hitting Brazil’s home instead. Brazil, who was engrossed in her studies at the time, was killed instantly. In addition to the loss of Brazil, a 41-year-old woman visiting the city for a sports event suffered injuries during the gunfire.
The horrifying event was not an isolated incident. Gang-related violence has been a concern in various parts of Texas, and this case highlights the fatal consequences of mistaken identities in such conflicts.
Following the incident, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar expressed his shock and disdain at the perpetrators, referring to them as “bloodthirsty young heathens with no regard for human life.” Such strong words from the sheriff underscore the community’s frustration and fear surrounding the continued threat of gang violence.
After the teens were jailed and certified as adults, they managed to secure bond. Subsequent to their release, they reportedly removed their ankle monitors and went on the run, taunting police by filming videos of themselves and posting them on social media. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, worked diligently to track down the suspects, eventually resulting in their re-arrest. Rene was arrested on October 26 and Isaac on October 31, 2023
Neighbors and friends of Novita Brazil described her as a dedicated individual with a bright future ahead. Her loss has raised concerns and calls for tighter regulations and actions to curb gang-related activities in the region.
