A San Antonio man was fatally shot in a parking lot of a Family Dollar, as he was with his girlfriend after the store had closed. The victim, identified as 23-year-old Joshua Solis, was reportedly approached by two men who asked for his name before opening fire, striking Solis twice in the back as he tried to drive away, local authorities said. This tragic incident took place on the northwest side of the city earlier this week, and the suspects remain at large.
Initial reports suggested that Solis was there to conduct an errand on behalf of his mother, but, his family has refuted these claims. "He wasn't doing a favor for his mother," said Amanda Perez, one of Solis's cousins, in an interview with KENS 5. The nature of his presence at the store remains unclear, with the family equally in the dark. "His dad had no idea. No one knew," added another cousin, Perez, during the emotionally charged recount.
The family, speaking on behalf of Solis's parents, described him as a bright light, always spreading positive energy. Solis, a Lanier High School graduate and former member of both the track team and the yearbook committee, had recently accepted a new job at a car dealership. "He was texting all of us Tuesday, the night that it happened," said cousin Sarah Barrera. "He got a new job and (he) was excited to work at a dealership."
Grieving relatives have been grappling with the sudden loss of Solis, who had aspirations in real estate and was deeply loved for his nurturing spirit. "He loved family, he loved people. He wanted to make everyone happy and he was very bright," "He would put everyone before himself, especially his mom and his dad," Barrera told KENS 5. Despite their heartache, Solis's family is focusing on honoring his memory and providing for his funeral expenses.
The community is rallying around the family; a local business has even stepped in to assist. "Casa Rio donated rice and beans for the occasion," noted the family, referencing the upcoming plate sale to raise funeral funds. The event will be held at 203 Cloudcroft Drive, #1, this Saturday at noon. Additionally, a balloon release organized by teachers and classmates from Lanier class of 2020 is scheduled for Thursday, May 30, at 7 p.m. at the site of the tragedy. The family has also shared a Cash App handle, $JavierDonias, for those who cannot attend but wish to help.
Details about the case are scarce, and police urge anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, Solis's loved ones are left yearning for answers in the wake of an act that extinguished a future so full of promise. "We all have as much questions as anyone else does," said cousin Janice Cortinas to KENS 5.
