On October 5, in Keene, Texas, a 13-year-old boy received a conviction for the murder of a 32-year-old employee of Sonic Drive-In.

The incident took place in May in the parking area of the Sonic Drive-In establishment.

The confrontation reportedly began when Angel Gomez, the boy’s uncle, was caught urinating in the parking lot, resulting in a disagreement with Sonic’s staff member, Matthew Davis. As the situation escalated, the 13-year-old, who was in the back seat of Gomez’s car at the time, procured an AR-style rifle. He promptly fired multiple rounds at Davis, leading to fatal wounds.

After the incident, both Gomez and the boy fled. Nevertheless, Gomez made his way back to the scene later and was arrested based on a murder warrant. Law enforcement, after a thorough search, located and detained the boy in a neighboring town.

The court proceedings drew considerable attention because of the young age of the defendant. The jury’s verdict stated the boy participated in delinquent conduct. This terminology in the realm of juvenile law is on par with a guilty verdict in an adult court setting.

The demise of Davis resonated deeply in the community, with many expressing their astonishment and mourning. A juvenile court will soon decide on the sentencing for the teenager. The range of penalties can vary from probation to a more extended incarceration.

Meanwhile, Angel Gomez is awaiting his trial. Court documents indicate that Gomez is facing charges related to tampering with or creating false evidence.