A tragic shooting in Texas has ended with a long prison sentence for a man who opened fire through his ex-partner’s window, killing her young son. The heartbreaking case has drawn attention to domestic conflict, gun violence, and the devastating impact such acts have on families.
Child killed inside his own home
Twelve-year-old Carlos Fernandez lost his life on March 4, 2024, after being shot inside his family home in Cloverleaf. According to local reports, the boy heard a noise coming from a room where his mother and sister were and went to check what was happening
Moments later, gunfire shattered the quiet of the home.
Ex-boyfriend identified as shooter
Authorities identified the suspect as Terry Rivera, who had previously been in a relationship with the boy’s mother, Ashley Rostro. Rivera and Rostro shared two children together.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office stated that on the night of the shooting, Rivera had come to Rostro’s home to drop off their children. Deputies said he was behaving aggressively and confrontational during the visit.
After an argument outside the house, the children were taken indoors for safety. Investigators believe Rivera then went to his truck, retrieved a gun, and fired multiple shots through a window of the home.
One of those bullets struck Carlos, killing him.
Mother says son tried to protect her
In an emotional interview after the incident, Ashley Rostro said she believes her son was trying to protect her when he heard the noise.
She described Carlos as her protector and said he ran toward the danger instead of away from it. Her words painted a picture of a brave child acting on instinct to keep his family safe, a decision that cost him his life.
Arrest and guilty plea
Rivera was arrested about a week after the shooting. Nearly two years later, on January 20, he pleaded guilty to capital murder in court.
Following his guilty plea, the judge sentenced Rivera to 50 years in prison. The sentence brings a level of legal closure to the case, though it cannot undo the loss suffered by the family.
A case that shook the community
The killing of a child inside his own home sent shockwaves through the Cloverleaf community and across Texas. Residents expressed grief and anger over how a personal dispute escalated into deadly violence.
Law enforcement officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of de-escalation in domestic situations and the dangers of firearms during emotional confrontations.
