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'Give me answers, that’s all I need' | Family asking witnesses to come forward after teen killed during shootout in north Houston

Family said 18-year-old Gustavo Dela Rosa was someone who would always help his friends. Police said he was killed during a shootout between two groups of people.

HOUSTON — Houston police are still searching for a suspect who shot and killed an 18-year-old in north Houston.

Family tells KHOU 11 News Gustavo Dela Rosa died in a shooting on Mayford Street last Sunday. Police said there was an argument between two groups that led to the shooting.

Gustavo’s mother, Beverly Martinez, is now reflecting on all the time spent with her son.

“When my son was born we were always coming to this park...he was always running around this park,” Martinez said, referring to La Escondida Park off of the Hardy Toll Road.

It’s where the family held a plate sale to raise money for Gustavo’s funeral.

“One of his friends called him and told him ‘You know what I’m having a problem, can you please come and help us out?’ So my son did, that’s where he lost his life,” Martinez said.

On Oct. 13, police said there was an argument between two groups who knew each other outside a home on Mayford Street near Parker Road.

Officers said the suspects left and then came back a second time, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

Dela Rosa was hit and friends pulled him into a house to try and save him.

Witnesses also described the alleged shooter.

“Officers a couple blocks down the road located the vehicle, a short pursuit ensued, where the vehicle crashed out in the ditch,” said Lt. JP Horelica with the Houston Police Department.

Several people were detained but no one has been charged with Dela Rosa’s death.

Police are asking those involved to come forward and help a grieving mom.

“Let me know, give me answers, that’s all I need. I need to get justice for what happened to my son, he didn’t deserve to go down like this,” Martinez said.

Dela Rosa is the oldest of five kids who wanted to be there for others.

“Family members, we’d call and he’d be the first to jump and see what’s going on, to save us,” she said.

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call Houston police at 713-308-3600.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for his funeral expenses. Another plate sale will be held Sunday, Oct. 20 starting at 12 p.m. at 911 Normandy Street.

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