Crime
18-Year-Old Joe Anthony Identified as Victim Killed in Sweet 16 Mass Shooting in Southeast Houston
The violence began after an uninvited guest was asked to leave the party.
Houston police are investigating a deadly mass shooting that occurred early Sunday morning during a Sweet 16 celebration in southeast Houston.
The tragic incident left one teenager dead and 15 others injured.
The shooting took place just before 1:00 a.m. in the 6000 block of Cherryhill Street, where a large family gathering was underway.
According to the Houston Police Department, the violence began after an uninvited guest was asked to leave the party.
As he exited the event, the suspect opened fire.
Police say several individuals at the scene returned gunfire, creating a chaotic and dangerous situation.
Officers responding to the scene reported hearing multiple gunshots as they arrived. Victims were found in various locations surrounding the home, and reports of additional gunfire continued to come in as emergency crews secured the area.
In an effort to safely provide aid, officers coordinated a plan to move injured victims to a nearby Jack in the Box on Long Street near Loop 610, where Houston Fire Department personnel could reach and treat them more efficiently.
Some of the wounded were transported by ambulance, while others were taken to local hospitals by private vehicles.
Among those injured, the victims ranged in age from 16 to 40 years old. As of now, police have not released specific details about their conditions.
The sole fatality has been identified as 18-year-old Joe Anthony, affectionately known as “Joey” to family and friends.
His loved ones describe him as the heart and soul of every room he enteredโwhether as a friend or a playful headache, his presence was always cherished. Joey had just graduated from high school last year and recently completed welding school. He had a promising career ahead, having secured a job he was scheduled to start this week.
Joey, the second oldest of seven brothers, was thrilled to be welcoming the family’s first baby girl as a proud first-time uncle. His family says he had a heart of gold and was deeply loved by everyone who knew him. He is already missed beyond words.
As the investigation continues, multiple individuals have been detained for questioning. However, no suspects have been officially arrested or identified at this time.
Authorities are urging anyone with information or who may have been present at the time of the shooting to come forward.
Please contact the HPD Homicide Division at (713) 308-3600 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS (8477).
The community is encouraged to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
A fundraiser effort has also been initiated to support Joeyโs family in the wake of this devastating loss.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subjectโs vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorneyโs Office.