A Missouri groom is critically injured after being shot in the head during an attempted robbery at his backyard wedding on June 29.
According to Fox News, Manuel Gonzalez and Dulce Gonzalez celebrated their wedding with a backyard reception attended by 50 close friends and family members.
The couple, together for over a decade and parents to two small children, looked forward to a joyous celebration of their union. Unfortunately, the night took a horrific turn.
Just before 1 a.m. on Saturday, as the reception was underway, two masked gunmen crashed the event. They demanded money from the guests, creating an atmosphere of fear and chaos at what was meant to be a joyful gathering.
One of the attackers shot Manuel Gonzalez in the head, critically wounding him. The robbers then fled on foot, escaping without taking anything from the scene. Manuel was quickly transported to the hospital in critical condition.
Maribeth Pena, Dulce’s sister, expressed her devastation over the senseless act. "They took nothing, yet they took everything from us," she said, capturing the profound grief of a family robbed of their happiness on what should have been the happiest day.
The family has since launched a GoFundMe page, appealing to the community for financial help and prayers. "We need prayers that he will come through this," the family writes on the fundraising site, highlighting their hope amidst despair.
No arrests have been made concerning the violent incident. Police investigations are ongoing, with the officers having spent the next day gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses, yet no suspects have been apprehended.
Maribeth Pena described Manuel as a dedicated family man, beloved in their community. "He’s a good father, a good husband to my sister... he’s a hard worker," she said. "He’s just an all-around good person that — I don’t know — he didn’t deserve this."
As the St. Louis community reels from the shock, the incident raises concerns about safety and the unforeseen violence that can erupt in personal celebrations.
This distressing event underscores the unpredictability of crime and its profound impact on families and communities. Manuel's shooting not only disrupted the wedding but imposed lasting emotional and financial burdens on the Gonzalez family.
As they face the challenges ahead, the Gonzalez family remains hopeful, supported by friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers moved by their plight.
In conclusion, a night meant for celebration tragically turned into a crime scene, leaving Manuel Gonzalez critically injured and hospitalized. The community is in shock, and his family is left dealing with the aftermath of a robbery that took more than belongings—it shattered their peace during what should have been a joyful celebration.
