The family of 18-year-old Emmanuel Menchaca is speaking out this morning, demanding justice after the recent high school graduate was shot three times by a neighbor outside his home, while burying his pet guinea pig.
A press conference is happening today at 11 a.m., where family members, supporters, and immigrant rights advocates are calling for answers from the Houston Police Department.
The shooting occurred shortly after midnight on July 25. Emmanuel had just returned home from work when he went to bury his pet guinea pig, Cookie, on the side of the house. According to his family, Emmanuel and his 12-year-old brother were walking back to the driveway when a neighbor opened fire without warning.
FIRST REPORT: Man shot while burying family pet in southeast Houston
Emmanuel was shot in the back and rushed inside to his parents. He has since undergone surgeries and blood transfusions, and remains hospitalized.
“He was doing nothing wrong,” said César Espinosa, Executive Director of FIEL Houston. “He was in his own yard, with his little brother, burying a pet. And now he’s fighting to recover while the person who shot him is still free.”
The family says eyewitness testimony and surveillance video is showing the incident. Yet, as of Monday morning, no arrests have been made, and no one has been questioned.
They say they feel ignored by the justice system and today’s press conference is meant to raise public pressure.
Emmanuel Menchaca graduated this summer with the Class of 2025. He had been working long hours at a warehouse job to save up for a truck before college. His family describes him as kind, energetic, and always willing to help — especially at church and at home.
His aunt shared in a public post:
“Emmanuel is truly a kind soul. He’s protective of his younger cousins. He’s the kind of teen we all hope our kids grow up to be.”
FIEL and the Menchaca family are asking for a full investigation and swift action from HPD. They’re also calling on elected officials and city leaders to speak up. The hashtag #JusticeForEmmanuel is now circulating across social media.
KPRC 2 is on scene and will update this article with new information, interviews, and video from today’s press conference.
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