A tragic birthday visit turned deadly in Dallas, Texas, when a 21-year-old man allegedly shot and killed his cousin during what he claimed was an attempt to “test his reaction time.” Jose Magareno is now facing a murder charge following the death of Emmanuel Najera, 19.
Birthday Celebration Turns Into Deadly Incident
The incident happened around 5 p.m. on Monday when Najera and his younger brother arrived at Magareno’s home on Parkdale Drive to celebrate Najera’s birthday.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by The Dallas Morning News, the three were having a conversation about guns and concealed carry when they went into Magareno’s bedroom.
That’s when things took a horrifying turn.
“Testing Reaction Time” with a Gun
According to local reports from Fox affiliate KDFW, Magareno gave Najera a gun, claiming he wanted to “test his reaction time.” He also told police that he had tried to remove the bullets from his own firearm before pulling the trigger.
However, the gun still had at least one round inside.
Magareno allegedly pulled the trigger, striking Najera in the chest. Moments later, he called 911 and said he had “accidentally” shot his cousin. Officers with the Dallas Police Department responded to the call and arrived at the scene quickly.
Najera was rushed to a nearby hospital, but he later died from his injuries, police confirmed in a press release.
Suspect Confessed to Handling Loaded Gun
After being taken into custody, Magareno reportedly gave police additional information. He said he regularly practiced with his gun and thought he had removed all the bullets before pointing it at Najera and firing.
He was booked into the Dallas County Detention Center early Tuesday morning and officially charged with murder. Authorities say the investigation is still ongoing.
Serious Charges Despite Claims of Accident
Although Magareno called the shooting an accident, prosecutors have charged him with murder, likely due to the reckless and dangerous behavior that led to Najera’s death. Handling a loaded weapon, especially while pointing it at someone, is considered criminally negligent — even if the shooter claims it was unintentional.
Family Gathering Ends in Tragedy
The senseless loss of Emmanuel Najera has left his family devastated. What was supposed to be a birthday celebration ended in a fatal shooting — all allegedly because of a reckless “reaction time test” involving a loaded gun.
As the legal process moves forward, Magareno may face severe consequences for what investigators believe was an avoidable and deadly act.
