According to prosecutors, Cristian Gasca Martinez had allegedly been stalking the teenage girl and, in retaliation for her refusal, shot and killed her stepfather, 37-year-old Osvaldo Casas, on August 10.
Martinez was charged in Houston on October 17, as reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Prosecutors argued that he was upset after the girl refused to date him, leading him to commit the fatal shooting. Casas, a father of three, died in the arms of his pregnant wife.
Judith Molina, the victim’s wife and the girl’s mother, told ABC 13, “He was upset that my daughter didn’t want to date him.” She also shared evidence of numerous anonymous calls to their home, which she believes were from Martinez.
On the day of the shooting, Casas’ neighbors warned him about a dark vehicle circling his home. A day earlier, his car had been vandalized. When Casas confronted the person in the vehicle, he was shot and, after returning to his home, collapsed.
His pregnant wife performed CPR and called for emergency assistance, but Casas was found unresponsive and had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. His mother, Blanca Aguirre, said he “died in her hands.”
The family has since started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover expenses following Casas’ death. His wife wrote, “Osvaldo was a man of deep love and kindness. He was loved by so many in our community and never hesitated to lend a helping hand.” Their son was born on August 23, just 13 days after Casas’ passing.
Martinez was arrested and is currently being held in Harris County Jail on a $200,000 bond. His first court appearance was scheduled for October 21.
