Pasadena, Texas, a heart-touching event brought together grieving families, local businesses, and community members to shed light on the rising problem of gun violence. The rally was organised by two families who lost their teenage sons to senseless shootings. Their message was clear — gun violence must stop before more lives are lost.
A Painful Loss That Sparked Action
On Sunday, the Spencer Highway near Center Street became a place of remembrance and activism. The families of Tony Maximus De La O and Miguel “Mickey” Gonzalez Jr. stood united, calling for justice and awareness. Both young men were just 18 years old when they were shot and killed in separate incidents in Houston.
Mercades De La O, sister of Tony Maximus, shared how her brother had just turned 18 two days before his tragic death in January. Tony was found shot inside a car in Southwest Houston, and since then, the family has not received any strong leads in the case. “We’re now in June, and we still don’t have any answers,” she said, urging the public to speak up.
Bringing the Community Together
Nancy Gutierrez, mother of Miguel Gonzalez Jr., is also fighting through her pain by trying to bring change. Her son was killed in March at an apartment complex off Willow Place Drive. She said both her and De La O’s families connected through their shared pain. “They had their futures planned,” she said, recalling her son’s dreams and ambitions.
To raise awareness and build a sense of community support, Gutierrez invited several small businesses and car clubs from across Houston to attend the “Stop The Violence” rally. The event had one powerful goal — to stop other families from going through the same pain.
The Alarming Rise of Gun Violence
The rally isn’t just a personal mission — it’s part of a wider concern. According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, juvenile homicide charges have increased by a shocking 108% between 2019 and 2024. In Gonzalez Jr.’s case, four suspects have been arrested. Their ages: 20, 18, 17, and just 16 years old. This rise in youth-related gun crime has alarmed families and law enforcement alike.
Both families believe that real change begins with awareness. “Even if you haven’t been through this, you can still help bring attention to it,” said Mercades De La O. Her plea was not just for her brother’s case but for every family affected by such violence.
Keeping Their Memories Alive
Gutierrez also mentioned that she is working hard to raise money for her son’s headstone. It’s a small way to honour his memory, but also a painful reminder that her son is gone forever. She and others at the rally hope that their stories will touch hearts and push people to take action — whether by joining awareness events, supporting families, or simply spreading the message of peace.
This gathering was not just a memorial; it was a powerful call to protect the next generation from gun violence. The hope is that events like this will continue and grow, creating a strong community voice against violence.
The rally in Pasadena shows how families, even in their deepest grief, can come together to spark change. Through unity and community support, they are fighting not just for justice for their loved ones but for a safer future. Events like “Stop The Violence” are a reminder that even in the darkest times, hope and strength can light the way. By raising awareness and standing up together, these families are sending a powerful message — enough is enough.
