Montgomery County, TX – The community is in shock following a tragic shooting on Saturday morning at an AutoZone in Montgomery County, which resulted in the death of a 19-year-old employee. Authorities have swiftly arrested and charged 19-year-old William Gabriel Aguilar with first-degree murder in connection to the incident.
The victim, Carlos Perez, also 19, was working at the AutoZone located on Birnham Woods Drive when the tragic event unfolded around 9:50 a.m. According to investigators, Aguilar entered the store and fatally shot Perez multiple times. Constables responding to the scene found Perez already deceased inside the store.
Thankfully, no customers were present inside the store during the shooting. However, one individual was in the parking lot when the incident occurred, escaping unharmed. Aguilar fled the scene on foot, traversing through nearby fences and residential streets before being apprehended a short distance away without further incident.
The shooting took place near a daycare center, which was closed at the time, and the World Champion Center, a gymnastics facility that was busy with children practicing. Authorities expressed relief that no additional injuries occurred, emphasizing the tragedy's grave impact. A chaplain from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office was present to offer counseling to AutoZone employees affected by the incident.
Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable Captain Adam Acosta conveyed deep sorrow over the shooting, especially given its occurrence during the holiday season. “Christmas time is about family. It’s about trying to be together and celebrate, and when something like this happens, it’s very upsetting,” Captain Acosta remarked.
Emergency responders, including South Montgomery County Fire and Montgomery County Hospital District personnel, quickly arrived at the scene. Perez’s body was transported to the Montgomery County Forensic Center for an autopsy.
The investigation into the shooting is being conducted by Precinct 3 detectives, with support from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Unit and the District Attorney’s Office. Aguilar is currently held at the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Jail, with his bond set at $750,000. Authorities have yet to disclose a motive for the shooting and are urging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office or the Precinct 3 Constable’s Office.
This tragic event has left the community mourning the loss of a young life, highlighting the unpredictable nature of such violent incidents. The investigation continues as authorities seek to understand the circumstances leading to the shooting, while the community rallies around the Perez family, offering their support during this heartbreaking time.
