Authorities in Texas have arrested two men on suspicion of killing a 14-year-old girl and injuring a 16-year-old boy during a drive-by shooting earlier this month.
According to The Dallas Morning News, 25-year-old Ernest Salazar and 22-year-old George Salazar are believed to have been among the four individuals witnesses say were in the dark-colored vehicle from which gunfire rang out on Feb. 12.
Multiple bullets entered another vehicle, leading to the death of Natalie Hernandez and injuries to another teen occupant. Two other individuals in the car escaped injury.
The driver of the targeted vehicle reportedly sped away to a nearby convenience store in pursuit of medical attention.
Hernandez was able to make it inside the store, where she told a staff member that she had been shot. Shortly after arriving at Baylor University Medical Center, she died from her injuries.
Reports indicate the 16-year-old male victim is expected to recover.
It is unclear from available reports how investigators came to suspect Ernest and George Salazar, who are identified as relatives, of being involved in the shooting. Police said they were not ready to announce a motive for the crime.
The teen victim’s survivors are accepting donations for her funeral expenses via an online fundraiser.
“Natalie was smart, kind, funny, and loved by all,” her family wrote. “Instead of us celebrating her Quince now we are getting ready to Start arrangements for her funeral. No parent should have to go through burying their children.”
Both suspects were booked into jail with bail set at $500,000.
[Featured image: Natalie Hernandez, Ernest Salazar and George Salazar/GoFundMe and Dallas County Jail]