'He was just a baby': Family remembers life, final moments of teen who was fatally shot

15-year-old Sonny Vidales collapsed, died in front of mother

SAN ANTONIO – A 15-year-old boy collapsed and died in front of his mother early Saturday morning as the teen told his mom he had been shot, police said.

The Medical Examiner's Office identified the boy as Sonny Vidales.

Authorities were called to the 300 block of Adolph Street on the Southside and found Sonny dead.

His aunts, Christina Alvarez and Angela Parrera said their nephew had a personality that could light up a room and that he cared deeply for his five younger siblings.

“He was so loving,” Parrera said. “Even in the worst situations he would always try to find the funny out of it just to make someone else laugh. He loved his brothers and sisters so much.”

Alvarez said her family is still in shock.

“Why? Why? Why would you do something like this," Alvarez said. “He was so young. He was just a baby and we love and miss him so much.”

Sonny's last words were to his mother, pleading for help.

"He went to his mom's room and asked for help," Alvarez said. "'Mom please help me. I've been shot. Please help me.' And she did try to help him."

By the time first responders got to the scene, Sonny had died. Authorities were unable to resuscitate him. According to police, he suffered a single gunshot wound through the hip that exited through his shoulder.

Police aren't sure where the shooting occurred and no one at the home heard gunshots.


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