Houston girl, 16, shot 22 times while walking dog, family says
A Houston girl was walking the family dog when she was killed in a hail of gunfire Tuesday night.
Diamond Alvarez was just 16.
“Whoever shot this girl 22 times in the back...they are cowards,” her stepfather Tito Moczygemba told Houston CBS affiliate KHOU.
Police did not confirm exactly how many bullets were fired but did say Diamond was struck multiple times, KHOU reported.
Diamond often walked the family dog, Peanut. Her family said they heard gunfire Tuesday night and feared something was wrong, according to local NBC affiliate KPRC. When Peanut returned home without Diamond, they knew it was bad news.
Diamond’s 14-year-old brother found her on the side of the street near a field, the Associated Press reported. Her mother Anna Machado tried to perform CPR.
“I tried and I tried and I tried. When I (saw) there was nothing else I could do, I started telling her how much I love her and that I’m always here,” Machado told the AP.
Police said the shooting was a drive-by and a dark colored vehicle sped away from the scene. Cops did not publicly speculate on a motive, but Diamond’s family told KHOU they believe it was not just a random incident.
Diamond was a sophomore at Madison High School in Houston.
“Diamond was a very fun, outgoing, outspoken, down to earth girl,” reads a GoFundMe page for her family. “She loved to dance, doing Make-up was her thing. She planned on going to cosmetology school. Her favorite color was purple. She was an honor student who participated in volleyball, basketball and had many friends who adored her. She loved spending time with her family and always managed to live life to the fullest.”
