San Antonio, Texas — What was supposed to be a joyful Fourth of July celebration ended in heartbreak after a barrage of gunfire erupted outside an east-side apartment complex, killing an 18-year-old and leaving five others wounded, including young children.
The shooting happened around 10:45 p.m. Saturday at the Wheatley Courts Apartments on Lamar Street, where police said multiple people walking along the street opened fire toward an apartment packed with family members celebrating the holiday.
Investigators said officers recovered nearly 80 shell casings from the scene, highlighting the intensity of the attack.
Teen Killed as Family Gathering Turns Into Chaos
Police said six people were struck by gunfire during the shooting. Family members later identified the person who died as 18-year-old Cory Dixon.
Relatives said the victims included several members of the Dixon family, who had gathered to celebrate Independence Day together.
Micky Dixon said she initially believed the loud sounds were fireworks before realizing something far more serious was happening.
“I just remember us being at the park and thinking it was like fireworks, but realizing it was too loud to be fireworks,” she said.
After hearing the gunfire, she rushed to her mother’s apartment, where she was met with scenes of panic and confusion.
“It was just a lot of chaos, seeing that the girls had got shot and then realizing that my cousin was out here, he had got shot too, and then realizing that his brother also got shot,” Micky Dixon said.
Children Among Those Seriously Injured
According to family members, 12-year-old Calvani and 5-year-old Khalani were both struck by gunfire but managed to run inside the apartment after being wounded.
Jacklyn Dixon said she immediately tried to protect everyone inside as they waited for emergency responders.
“I said, ‘Everybody just got down on the floor,'” Jacklyn Dixon recalled.
The family said Calvani suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach, a fractured spine and kidney damage, while Khalani remains hospitalized and is expected to stay in the hospital for at least 10 days.
Jacklyn Dixon described the seriousness of her daughter’s condition.
“I think she started bleeding where the kidneys go. They’re going to try to stop the bleeding.”
Family Says Attack Appeared Random
Police said several people were detained for questioning following the shooting, but no arrests have been announced.
Investigators have not determined what sparked the gunfire or whether the victims were intentionally targeted.
The Dixon family believes the shooting was random and said they have struggled to understand why their loved ones became victims.
One of Cory Dixon’s relatives described the heartbreaking moment he collapsed after being shot.
“He just laid there till he died,” Micky Dixon said.
Family members said 21-year-old Flo Dixon was also wounded but is expected to recover. Two additional victims, described as family friends, were also injured, though their conditions have not been publicly released.
Investigation Continues as Family Plans to Relocate
As police continue searching for answers, the Dixon family is mourning the loss of Cory while focusing on the recovery of those still hospitalized.
Relatives said they now plan to relocate following the shooting and have launched an online fundraiser to help cover medical expenses and other unexpected costs resulting from the tragedy.
Authorities continue to investigate the case and are asking anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking incident? Do you believe more can be done to help prevent gun violence during large holiday gatherings? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.