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Inset: Leonardo Torres (Dallas County Jail). Background: The Balch Springs, Texas neighborhood where the alleged shooting took place (Google Maps).
A Texas teenager got into an argument during a family baptism celebration and allegedly shot the baby’s father after being confronted about firing a handgun at the gathering, police report.
Leonardo Asis Campos Torres, 19, was arrested in the early morning hours of July 27, after gunfire broke out at a family gathering.
In an arrest affidavit obtained by Dallas-based Fox affiliate KDFW, it was noted that 35-year-old Cristian Gabriel Montes confronted Torres over the alleged shooting at the party earlier that night. Montes accused Torres of firing a handgun at his vehicle.
Police said Torres and Montes were related to each other. Both men were attending the big event to celebrate the baptism of Montes’ son.
Witnesses reportedly identified Torres as the shooter, according to the affidavit. A verbal argument between the two men escalated into violence when Torres allegedly drew a gun and fired at Montes, police allege.
After being arrested at the scene, Torres reportedly admitted to the shooting after being read his Miranda rights. However, he claimed self-defense, saying he grabbed a 9mm handgun after Montes allegedly attacked him, according to police statements.
Torres’ booking photo displays several facial bruises, including two black eyes, but the origin of these injuries remains unclear.
At the scene of the crime, investigators found multiple spent shell casings on the ground near a Chevrolet Tahoe, according to police.
The affidavit also included reports from medical personnel at Baylor University Medical Center, where Montes received treatment. Medical staff indicated that Montes was shot at least twice, once in the chest and once in the back. It’s suggested that Torres might have shot Montes while he was turning away, walking, or possibly while falling, according to the police report.
Torres was booked into the Dallas County Jail after being arrested by Balch Springs police.