Carlos Perez, 19, tragically killed in AutoZone shooting; William Gabriel Aguilar, 19, arrested and charged with first-degree murder – Obituary and Death
Montgomery County, Texas – A devastating shooting occurred on Saturday morning at an AutoZone store in Montgomery County, leading to the tragic death of 19-year-old Carlos Perez. Authorities have apprehended 19-year-old William Gabriel Aguilar, who has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting. The incident, which unfolded around 9:50 a.m. on December 21, 2024, has left the local community in shock and mourning.
The shooting took place at the AutoZone located in the 28800 block of Birnham Woods Drive, a central area in Montgomery County that also hosts a daycare center and a gymnastics facility. Witnesses report that Perez, a dedicated employee at the store, was gunned down by Aguilar, who entered the store, confronted the victim, and shot him multiple times before fleeing the scene. Responding constables arrived shortly afterward to find Perez’s lifeless body inside the store.
Reports indicate that no customers were inside the AutoZone at the time of the incident, and while one person was present in the parking lot when the shooting took place, they were unharmed. Despite the proximity of nearby buildings, including a daycare that was closed and a gymnastics center crowded with children, authorities expressed relief that no further injuries occurred.
The shock of the crime was amplified by its occurrence near the holiday season, a time when many families come together to celebrate. Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable Captain Adam Acosta shared his sorrow over the loss, emphasizing the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on the community, especially with Christmas approaching.
“We are just trying to process this,” Captain Acosta said. “Christmas time is about family. It’s about trying to be together and celebrate, and when something like this happens, it’s very upsetting. We are all feeling it.”
After the shooting, Aguilar fled the scene on foot, running through nearby fences and residential streets. He was apprehended a short distance away by law enforcement without further incident. Authorities have not yet revealed a clear motive for the shooting, though investigators are working diligently to uncover the circumstances that led to this senseless act of violence.
South Montgomery County Fire and Montgomery County Hospital District (MCHD) personnel quickly responded to the scene of the crime. Once Perez’s body was confirmed deceased, it was transported to the Montgomery County Forensic Center for an autopsy. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Unit, along with Precinct 3 detectives and the District Attorney’s Office, are all working on the investigation, which remains ongoing.
Aguilar has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He is currently being held at the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Jail with a bond set at $750,000. While law enforcement has been tight-lipped about the possible motive for the shooting, the arrest has provided some closure for the community, although the pain of the loss remains fresh.
As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting continues, community members and local leaders are coming together to support the family and friends of Carlos Perez. A chaplain from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has been assigned to provide counseling to AutoZone employees who were deeply affected by the tragedy.
Carlos Perez, a young man with a bright future ahead of him, is remembered fondly by his coworkers, friends, and family. Descriptions of Perez from those who knew him portray a hardworking, kind-hearted individual who had a passion for helping others. His loss has left a profound impact on the local community, which is now coming to terms with the violence that claimed his life.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence, which continues to plague communities across the country. The authorities in Montgomery County are committed to seeking justice for Perez’s family and bringing clarity to the events that led to his tragic death. As the investigation progresses, law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and assist in the pursuit of justice.
The mourning in Montgomery County is palpable as residents try to understand the senselessness of the crime. For now, the community is left grappling with grief, remembering the life of Carlos Perez, and praying for justice as they await further details in the coming days.
As the holiday season looms, the loss of Carlos Perez is a painful reminder of how quickly a moment of violence can alter the course of lives. It serves as a somber reflection on the fragility of life and the ongoing need for peace in our communities.
