HOUSTON — The man accused of killing 12-year-old Carlos Fernandez in 2024 is expected to enter a plea Tuesday morning. Terry Bryan Rivera faces capital murder charges in the death of the boy, who was shot and killed inside his apartment in March 2024.

Carlos’ family prepared Friday night for what they hope will be the final court hearing in the case. His mother, Ashley Rostro, said the family is focused on finding peace after nearly a year of grief.

“When my heart feels heavy, I tend to come over here more,” Rostro said.

According to investigators, Carlos heard noises coming from his sister’s room and went to check on them when he was shot and killed. The gunshots came from outside the bedroom window.

Rivera, who is the ex-boyfriend of Carlos’ mother, had been separated from Rostro for two years at the time of the shooting. Rostro said they had been trying to maintain a civil relationship.

“Basically, like, kind of co parenting, and, just trying to be civil with one another,” she said.

However, Rostro said there were warning signs before the shooting. She had called police on Rivera for showing up with a gun just days before Carlos was killed.

After the shooting, Rivera attempted to flee to Mexico but was arrested days later at the border in Brownsville.

As the court date approaches, Rostro said her focus remains on honoring her son’s memory.

“He was the sweetest kid ever,” she said, adding that Carlos had dreams of becoming a basketball player.

The family said the emotional weight of the loss continues to affect them.

“It was just so heavy on everybody, and it still is,” Rostro said.

Despite the ongoing pain, Rostro said visiting her son’s grave brings comfort.

“I do feel, you know, like there’s like a sense of peace here, you know, like the world just feels different today,” she said.

“We all miss him,” Rostro added.

The family hopes tomorrow’s plea hearing will be the final step in the legal process, allowing them to move forward.

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