SAN ANTONIO – The family of a young teenager who was shot in the head during a drive-by shooting New Year’s night is continuing his giving spirit by donating his organs to eight other families in need.
Mark Valdez, 13, was a loving kid.
“He was very protective and real caring,” said Bianca Valdez, his aunt. “He was a selfless young man. He was such an innocent boy. All he did was literally snack on snacks and play his video games and listen to music and dance. He loved to dance and was like any new teenager. He loved his anime. He wanted to be a ladies’ man.”
Mark had just turned 13 on August 4.
“I just remember the day he was born,” said Jonathon Valdez, his uncle. “He was our first nephew. We all became uncles and aunts because of him. Me, being the youngest, I always wanted a little brother, and I never had one. He was my nephew, but he was more than just a little brother to me. As I grew up, he was like a son to us.”
The aunt and uncle say Mark was a big part of their family.
“I can’t even imagine what life is going to be without him,” Bianca Valdez said. “They took something from me that was very special to me and very special to our whole family, and we will never get that back. I don’t wish this pain on anybody. As much hate as I have, I wouldn’t wish this on anybody because nobody deserves this, especially a child who deserves to live their lives to the fullest and not have to worry about guns or violence.”
In addition to his giving spirit, Mark had a bright future ahead of him.
“He had a lot of plans growing up,” Bianca Valdez said. “In the beginning, he wanted to be in the military because our family has a military background, and then he changed his mind to wanting to be a doctor. He had so many ideas for himself. It is sad to see him not be able to live his life and see how it played out for him. He would have been a great man. He was just 13 and was already asking me how old he had to be to get a job to provide for his family.”
The family members said the last view of their nephew alive was on a home camera.
“Our nephew was literally in the kitchen eating a grilled cheese sandwich, and two minutes later, he went in his room, and that was the end of his life,” Bianca Valdez said.
“His life was cut short because these guys wanted to be reckless. Literally seconds, he was just laying on his bed enjoying his phone, and then boom. He didn’t know what was coming. He didn’t know that was going to be his last meal, the last time he was going to see his mom or parents. I didn’t know that was going to be the last time I was going to see him or any of his family members. We didn’t get to say bye to him, and he didn’t get a chance to say bye to us,” she continued with tears in her eyes.
San Antonio police said two men drove to the family’s home on Vestal Place and opened fire, shooting Mark in the head before driving off.
Mark has been in the hospital on a ventilator, brain dead.
“I just know he is not in pain and is at peace,” Jonathon Valdez said. “It is going to be hard to let his body go, but we have had signs that he is telling us he is OK already. We have multiple signs because a lot of little miracles have happened in his spirit.”
The family decided to donate Mark’s organs, believing he would have done if placed in their position.
“He was so selfless, so whenever they told us he has a strong heart, lungs, liver and kidneys, we thought, ‘What would Marky want us to do?’” Bianca Valdez said. “He would have said to help save others. That was what he was about -- helping others. He looked up to superheroes, and right now, he is our superhero.”
The family said it will take time for them to fully forgive the people responsible.
“It is going to be in God’s hands,” Jonathon Valdez said. “We are just going to let the police do their work. We just need the community’s help with getting these guys off the streets because it could be your kids next.”
They said they are devastated starting a new year off without their nephew and want gun violence to stop. They are currently raising money to help with funeral expenses. They had this to say to the two men still at large:
“Be a man,” Bianca Valdez said. “You were a man when you took that gun out and did what you did. Be a man and turn yourself in and pay for the consequences. Someone lost their life, and you are going to pay for it.”
Police said the suspects drove off in a white Ford Mustang convertible. If you have any information, you are urged to call Crimestoppers at 210-224-7867.