Family sells barbecue plates to help pay for slain teen's burial

SAN ANTONIO – The family of a 14-year-old girl who was shot and killed at a party held a barbecue plate sale Saturday to raise money for the teen's funeral.

Melody Cerros was shot and killed late Tuesday night inside a garage at a home in the 8600 block of Star Creek Drive. Police said the teen was with friends when one of them pulled out a handgun and pointed it at her head, thinking it wasn't loaded.

Ryan Rodriguez, 19, was arrested and charged with manslaughter.

"If God forgave, I forgive," said Isabel Torrez, the victim's sister. "My family is forgiving. He's young, he has his whole life. He's going to pay for what he's done. I'm pretty sure he's going to regret what he did sitting in jail."

Torrez said her mother is devastated and having trouble coping with their loss.

"It's hurting her. She's going to need therapy. She's not right, she hasn't got out of bed. she hasn't (eaten)," Torrez said.

Relatives said they are hoping to raise $8,000 to give Cerros a proper funeral.

"We're very thankful for all the family and friends (who) have came to support us, and we would just ask for more support from the community, from San Antonio," Torrez said.