'So many questions' says family of man allegedly killed by 12 and 13 year old
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department has arrested two minors - a 12-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy - in connection with the death of 20-year-old Anthony Salas.
"Anthony could always light up a room, he was his mom's first born," said Hazel Roland, a long-time family friend. "Born on Christmas Day. Probably the best Christmas present a mom could ever have."
A GoFundMe has been created for Salas' family.
In the early morning hours of Saturday, May 3, a group of at least five minors were attempting to steal cars in the Sun Chase Neighborhood on Ross Road near Del Valle Elementary, according to a police source. The source said Salas saw them driving off in his brother's car, confronted them, and was shot by one of the juvenile suspects before the group stole another car and drove off.
"I want to know how could a 12 and a 13 year old be responsible for taking a life of someone at such a young age?" Roland said. "So many questions ran through my mind. Where were the parents? Where did they get the firearm from?"
When juveniles are arrested, their records and movement through the criminal justice system remain sealed, so details moving forward will be limited. The minors in this case were charged with capital murder by terroristic threat, according to police.
Salas' family plans to hold a memorial event and fundraiser soon.