Texas school shooting victims: ‘They were just children with their whole lives ahead of them’

On Tuesday, 19 children and two adults became the victims and died during a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. The whole United States endured the terrifying morning news of a mass shooting. A loose gunman stormed the elementary school with a rifle in hand that took away innocent lives.

According to local law enforcement, all of the victims are in the same classroom as fourth-graders. In memoriam of these little angels and two brave adults’ souls, here are how their families remembered them.

Amerie Jo Garza – 10 yr old victim

https://twitter.com/JonLemire/status/1529439831360675842?s=20&t=HZ1VZdu9-Ml5-0aCoEv7jw

Amerie’s father told an ABC News interview that the girl recently turned 10 this May.

“Thank you everyone for the prayers and help to try to find my baby. She’s been found. My little love is now flying high with the angels above. Please don’t take a second for granted. Hug your family. Tell them you love them. I love you, Amerie Jo. Watch over your baby brother for me.”

Angel Garza was one of the parents who is against the lost US gun law.

Uziyah Garcia – 8 yr. old victim

Uziyah Garcia, 9-years-old and in the fourth grade at #RobbElementary, was murdered yesterday in his classroom. His grandfather called him “the sweetest little boy I’ve ever known,” and they loved to play football together. Say his name. Share his story. Honor his legacy. #Uvalde pic.twitter.com/SSU7X2YA5e

— y – Dr. Jaclyn Schildkraut 🟧 (@jschildkraut80) May 25, 2022

His family identified him as one of the young victims of the Texas school shooting.

Manny Renfro, Garcia’s grandfather said, “The sweetest little boy that I’ve ever known. I’m not just saying that because he was my grandkid.”

Uzziah last visited his grandfather on Spring break at San Angelo. Renfro recalled, “We started throwing football together, and I was teaching him to pass patterns. Such a fast little boy and he could catch a ball so well. There were certain plays that I would call that he would remember, and he would do it exactly as we practiced.”

Xavier Lopez – 10 yr. old victim

This is one of the 22 victims in today’s school shooting. Xavier Lopez was just 10 years old and in 4th grade. According to his cousin, Xavier’s mom was at his awards ceremony 1-2 hours prior to the shooting, not knowing it would be the last time she’d see him. pic.twitter.com/J85iewA2gg

— Reena Roy (@reenaroy) May 25, 2022

Felicia Martinez, Xavier’s mother is your Ning the early death of his son. She told the Washington Post that she had the chance to witness him receive his certificate of honor roll hours before the tragic shooting.

She said, “He was funny, never serious, and his smile – that smile I will never forget. It would always cheer anyone up. He also loved any activity in which he could be creative and especially get to draw. He couldn’t wait to go to middle school.”

His mother also shared that Xavier loves soccer and baseball. Xavier’s favorite subject is art.

Rogelio Torres – 10 yr.old victim

He shouldn’t have had to pay for the failures of adults. Rest In Peace little difference maker.

Rogelio Torres, 10. pic.twitter.com/rX2EYMMW70

— Astrid Silva (@Astrid_NV) May 25, 2022

His family confirmed that he is one of the victims. One of his cousins wrote on Twitter, “Thank you for the prayers and for trying to help find my cousin. It breaks my heart to say my Rogelio is now with the angels. I’ll forever miss you and love you my angel.”

Jose Flores – 10 yrs. old

Jose Flores Jr., 10#Uvalde #RobbElementaryschool pic.twitter.com/dNFCcTJ3Vv

— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) May 25, 2022

Christopher Salazar, Jose’s uncle said, “He was a very happy little boy. He loved both his parents. He loved to laugh and have fun.”

Makenna Lee Elrod – 10 yrs old

Makenna Lee Elrod, 10. Makenna Elrod’s father asked if he could go to the local funeral home to search for his daughter Makenna, after fearing “she may not be alive.” Her death was later confirmed by a family friend. #UvaldeMassacre pic.twitter.com/fBmWKLG0xD

— Josh Benson (@WFLAJosh) May 25, 2022

Makenna’s sister Kadence Elizabeth identified her sister as one of the students who died in the shooting.

Kadence said, “My sweet innocent baby sister, my heart will forever break for you, my love. I love you with my whole heart Kenna wanna. Have fun with your angels up in heaven baby girl.”

Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez – 10 yrs old

Terrible update: Family members tell me officials have confirmed 10-year Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez was killed today. They say she was in 3rd grade and in the same classroom as her cousin. And they say her cousin was also killed today. @KHOU #Uvalde pic.twitter.com/FYuFQmEH5p

— Anayeli Ruiz KHOU (@AnayeliNews) May 25, 2022

Her family members confirmed her as one of the victims. Her cousin also died in the shooting incident and is also in the same classroom with her.

Nevaeh Bravo

Nevaeh Bravo, 10. Nevaeh had celebrated her 10th birthday in January. She was in 4th grade. Now her family is trying to understand why a shooter killed this child who "put a smile on everyone's faces.” "It just feels like a nightmare that we cannot wake up from," her cousin said. pic.twitter.com/Q6VzCxo6d7

— Josh Benson (@WFLAJosh) May 26, 2022

Her cousin Emily Grace Ayala confirmed her death. On Facebook, she wrote, “Thank you, everyone, for the prayers, our Nevaeh has been found. She is flying with the angels above. We love you Nevaeh very much, princess. Please everyone continue to keep her parents and our family in your prayers.”

Ellie Garcia – 10 yrs. old

Yesterday, 10-year-old Eliahna Garcia was murdered at #RobbElementary. Ellie, as she was known, was always outgoing and happy. She loved playing sports and dancing, as well as spending time with her family. Share her photo and her story. Say her name. #Uvalde #EndGunViolence pic.twitter.com/simvSxROyD

— y – Dr. Jaclyn Schildkraut 🟧 (@jschildkraut80) May 25, 2022

Her parents also confirmed her death on Facebook. Steven Garcia, her father said, “our Ellie was a doll and was the happiest ever. It’s hard to issue a statement on anything right now my mind is going at 1000 miles per hour. But I do wanna send our thoughts and prayers to those who also didn’t make it home tonight.

Garcia’s father also added, “ I was gonna DJ for her at her party like she wanted me to! Mom and dad love you never forget that and please try and stay by our side Amor! Send prayers to all Uvalde we really need it!!”

Eliahana Cruz Torres

Not the news I wanted to report this morning – But have confirmed with family, Eliahana Cruz Torres is among the 19 #Uvalde student victims.
Her grandfather telling me she was a beautiful young girl with a lot of energy. pic.twitter.com/paqTdvNfXp

— Mireya Villarreal (@ABCMireya) May 25, 2022

Her grandfather confirmed her death to ABC. He said that “she was a beautiful young girl with a lot of energy.” Sierra Arizmendi, her aunt said, “She was very happy and very outgoing. She loved to dance and play sports. She was big into family, enjoyed being with the family.”

Alithia Ramirez – 10 yrs. Old

Alithia Ramirez and Nico Escalante were best buddies when they lived in Uvalde, Texas together in 2020. Sharing a love of art and all the things 8yos were into at the time. pic.twitter.com/WW9ue8p9Wt

— J.D. Miles (@jdmiles11) May 26, 2022

Her father also confirmed her death on Facebook. He changed his profile picture to Alithia’s photo with angel wings. Hours before the confirmation of her daughter’s death, he wrote “Trying to find my daughter Alithia. I called all the hospitals and nothing.”

Jailah Nicole Silguero

19 children killed. 2 teachers. And many more injured.
💙Jayce Carmelo Luevanos
💙Jailah Nicole Silguero pic.twitter.com/w7O7NSfvRR

— Mireya Villarreal (@ABCMireya) May 25, 2022

Her mother confirmed Jailah’s death in a Facebook post. She wrote, “Why why why my baby. Fly high baby grandma and grandpa are with their arms wide open for baby. We’re going to miss you so much my wera Chula my lil sidekick.” She is pointing out to her daughter as “pretty blondie” in Spanish.
Jayce Carmelo Luevanos – 10 yrs old

Jayce died with his cousin Silguero in the same classroom. Silguero’s mom posted a separate Facebook post. She posted a photo of her nephew and daughter with the caption, “Fly high my angels. We’re going to miss y’all so much.”

Alexandria Aniyah Rubio

Alexandria Aniyah Rubio

“My beautiful, smart, Alexandria Aniyah Rubio was recognized today for All-A honor roll. She also received the good citizen award. We told her we loved her and would pick her up after school. We had no idea this was goodbye.”— her mother ion FB pic.twitter.com/BqwzxdzJ5r

— Ginger Zee (@Ginger_Zee) May 27, 2022

Alexandria’s mom, Kimberly Mata-Rubio confirmed her daughter’s death on Facebook. She captioned, “My beautiful, smart, Alexandria Aniyah Rubio was recognized today for All-A honor roll. She also received the good citizen award. We told her we loved her and would pick her up after school. We had no idea this was goodbye.”

Jacklyn Jaylen Cazares – 10 yrs. Old

https://twitter.com/shaunking/status/1529674339213254656?s=20&t=HZ1VZdu9-Ml5-0aCoEv7jw

Her father Jacinto Cazares confirmed her death. He said that his “little girl” was “full of life”. Annabell Rodriguez, her cousin was also killed in the shootout.

Cazares said, “She had the biggest heart. Jackie was the one that would go out of her way to help anyone. It gives me some comfort that she would be the little cracker that would have done something to help her classmates in that very scary scenario,”

Maite Rodriguez – 10 yrs. Old

Yesterday, 10-year-old Maite Rodriguez posed for pictures after making the honor roll at #RobbElementary. Hours later, she was murdered at her school among others she had just been recognized alongside. Share her name and her picture. Never forget her. #Uvalde #EndGunViolence pic.twitter.com/F5lHeRgH9w

— y – Dr. Jaclyn Schildkraut 🟧 (@jschildkraut80) May 25, 2022

The cousin of her mother, Felix Coronado declared her death on a GoFundMe page. He called her a “sweet baby girl.”

He said, “It is with a heavy heart I come on here on behalf of my cousin Ana who lost her sweet baby girl in yesterday’s senseless shooting we are deeply saddened by the loss of this sweet smart little girl. Donations for funeral expenses as well for time away from work to allow her to grieve her loss anything helps God bless and may she R.I.P Maite Rodriguez we love you,”

Tess Marie Mata

Tess Marie Mata. Tess was among the students killed, according to a her sister, Faith Mata. “Sissy I miss you so much, I just want to hold you and tell you how pretty you are, I want to take you outside and practice softball, I want to go on one last family vacation," Faith said. pic.twitter.com/Jx1jqrnp2B

— Josh Benson (@WFLAJosh) May 25, 2022

Her sister Faith Mata poured out her sadness on Twitter. She wrote, “My precious angel you are loved so deeply. In my eyes, you are not a victim but a survivor. I love you always and past forever baby sister, may your wings soar higher than you could ever dream. Till we meet again Tess Marie, love your big siss.”

Eva Mireles – 44 yrs. old

Eva Mireles. The 4th grade teacher who was murdered in Uvalde, Texas today.
From her aunt, Lydia Martinez Delgado: "I'm furious that these shooting continue, these children are innocent, rifles should not be easily available to all." pic.twitter.com/o2g7yROx1T

— Cecilia Vega (@CeciliaVega) May 25, 2022

Mireles is a married woman with Ruben Ruiz, a police officer and they have one daughter. According to reports, she died protecting her pupils.

In a New York Post, her neighbor said how Mireles “was just a sweetheart.”
The unidentified neighbor also said, “It’s a tragedy that this happened to a person like this. She was the sweetest person and she would take her cute dogs out on walks and she would say hi.”

Irma Garcia

This is Irma Garcia.

When the gunman in Uvalde opened fire on her classroom, she physically shielded her students from the bullets.

At Goodable, we'll never mention the name of the gunman. But we'll mention Irma's all day long.

Irma Garcia.

Know her name. pic.twitter.com/KOMQPH9VqJ

— Goodable (@Goodable) May 25, 2022

She was the second adult victim. Garcia was Mireles’s co-teachers. She had been a teacher at that school for 23 years. Garcia was married and has four kids. NBC reports said that she was also shielding her students causing her death.

Our Thoughts

As always, the victims are mourned and the community searches for answers. This senseless act of violence has affected the entire community, and everyone is struggling to come to terms with what happened. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.