Neither the rain or cold could keep an entire community from going out to San Vicente Cemetery in Rio Hondo Friday, to pay their final respects to one of their own, Ricardo Ramos, Jr.
The 18-year-old was shot in the head Sunday, and died at the hospital.
According to Cameron County sheriff investigators, it was Ramos' own 13-year-old cousin that took the fatal shot.
The 13-year-old is now charged with manslaughter, after Sheriff Omar Lucio said the teen made a statement to authorities.
"(He confessed) that he had a rifle, that the rifle had a scope, and that he pointed the gun at his cousin,” Lucio said, “and without realizing that the weapon was loaded, he pulled the trigger and accidentally shot and killed his cousin."
Felicia Garduno, Ramos' older sister, said the latest developments have multiplied the family's grief, none the less, she said the family is not blaming the 13-year-old and is sticking together.
"I'm not upset or anything like that,” Garduno said. “Only God knows why he does things. I’m not upset at them, I don’t have a reason to, we're family. Accidents happen and I don’t have anything against anybody from my family."
About 30 people showed up on horseback to pay tribute to Ramos's passion for roping.
Rio Hondo Mayor Alonso Garza was also in attendance. Garza said Ramos' death has impacted the entire community and has been a painful reminder that the power of guns should not be underestimated.
"Especially in the rural areas, even if it's a bb gun, there has to be some kind of training, some kind of education,” Garza said. “It's a weapon, and this was a weapon that was used. I don’t know all the details, but I know a life was taken because of that."
The manslaughter case will be reviewed by the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office.
Family and Friends are hosting a roping event and silent auction to benefit the Ramos family on Jan. 12, starting at 8 a.m. in Rio Hondo.
For more information contact Miguel at 956-793-4205; Iris at 956-205-8773; or Brianna at 956-434-2627.
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