In a tragic incident at the Galleria Mall in Houston, two men have been charged with the murder of 30-year-old Marine veteran Anthony Sanders. Sanders was fatally shot in the parking garage of the mall on June 3, after a verbal altercation involving his fiancée and the suspects.
Marko Cinan, 23, and Justin Joshua Guzman, 22, face serious charges in connection with the shooting, which has left the community devastated.
Details of the Fatal Incident
According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, Sanders was picking up his fiancée from work when the violent altercation occurred. The fiancée entered an elevator with a group of men, including Cinan and Guzman, whom she didn’t know.
After the men made a comment, which she ignored, one of them allegedly insulted her, calling her a “stupid ugly b—.” She later told Sanders about the encounter, and Sanders drove through the parking garage, looking for the men.
Once he found them, Sanders had a verbal exchange with the suspects before both parties returned to their respective vehicles. As Sanders was leaving the garage, Cinan and Guzman’s car allegedly brake-checked him, causing another confrontation.
Both sides got out of their cars, and Guzman allegedly made a threatening remark, saying, “You don’t want to mess with me.”
The Shooting and Aftermath
Suddenly, both Cinan and Guzman pulled out firearms and began shooting at Sanders. Investigators believe the suspects fired at least 14 shots, ultimately killing Sanders. The shooting took place with Sanders’ fiancée and child in the car, but fortunately, neither was injured.
As soon as the shooting occurred, mall security and paramedics responded. Sanders was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after.
After the shooting, the suspects fled the scene in a Chrysler 300 but were quickly apprehended by authorities. When Guzman exited the vehicle, spent bullet casings were found on his lap. The Chrysler was also found to be riddled with bullet holes, indicating that the suspects had continued firing as they fled.
The Defense and Investigation
Initially, police allowed the suspects to go as the investigation was still in its early stages. However, when Guzman and Cinan were later questioned, they claimed the shooting was in self-defense.
Guzman told investigators that Sanders had been tailing them and that, when they stopped, Sanders allegedly threatened them with statements like, “I’ll f— y’all up” and “I’ll do it to y’all right here.” Guzman also claimed that Sanders had a gun and a knife, but no weapons were found on Sanders when authorities searched him.
Despite their claims, the shooting was captured in the mall’s security footage, and witnesses provided statements that contradicted Guzman and Cinan’s version of events.
The authorities arrested Cinan on June 25, and Guzman turned himself in shortly after. Cinan is being held on a $1 million bond, while Guzman is facing a $750,000 bond.
Remembering Anthony Sanders
The family of Anthony Sanders, who was a devoted father and Marine veteran, has been left devastated by the loss. Sanders’ parents, who are also veterans, expressed their grief and called for justice.
His father, Frank Sanders, spoke to local media, saying, “We’re here for justice, justice for Anthony and also to stand for what he stood for as a person.” A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Sanders’ family during this difficult time.
The tragic death of Anthony Sanders has brought attention to the dangers of unnecessary violence and the consequences of heated confrontations.
As the case progresses, many in the community are demanding justice for Sanders and his family. Cinan and Guzman face serious charges, and their trial will determine the outcome of this heartbreaking situation.
