SAN ANTONIO — The family of a 25-year-old man shot at a West Side apartment complex on Oct. 4 says he has died and is asking anyone with information to come forward.
Relatives identified him as Alando Deon Marston Jr., known to family and friends as “AJ.” His mother, Laura White, said he leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter.
“I feel like I lost a piece of my heart,” White said.
The shooting happened around 10:15 p.m. at the Loma Vista Apartments in the 7200 block of Marbach Road, according to San Antonio police.
A sergeant at the scene said an altercation involving multiple people ended with the man being shot. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Police said no one was in custody that night.
His family says he later died at the hospital on Tuesday. SAPD and the medical examiner have not independently confirmed his identity or death to the station but has confirmed the victim of the shooting died from gun shot wounds to the head and neck. The death was ruled a homicide.
White described her oldest son as kind, caring and loyal. She said he had been checking on his grandmother, who was dealing with the effects of cancer treatment, before the shooting.
The days since have been difficult to comprehend, she said.
“Everything just happened so fast,” White said.
His brother, Edward Ross, remembered playing basketball with AJ and having long conversations with him. He said his brother made people smile and welcomed others, even people he did not know.
Ross said the loss still does not feel real.
His uncle recalled childhood summers when the family would gather and the bond they shared through having the same birthday, July 4.
“I was there when he was born,” his uncle said. “And sadly, I was here when he passed away.”
White said the loss has shattered her family. She is also grieving what it means for AJ’s young daughter.
“She doesn’t get to see her dad anymore,” White said.
Family members said they are cooperating with investigators and want anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information to contact SAPD.
They have also shared a fundraiser seeking help with funeral and burial expenses.
A balloon release in AJ’s memory is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Woodlawn Lake basketball court, 221 Alexander Ave., according to the family’s flyer.
The family’s fundraiser is available at https://gofund.me/3ad9af9dd.