Searching for Justice in Fort Worth

A photo of Francisco “Frank” Santos

The city of Fort Worth has seen an increase in violence and violent crimes, including that of my 19-year-old cousin Francisco “Frank” Santos, whose life was taken on August 22. Three months since his murder, his family still awaits justice.

Fort Worth has recorded over 90 murders this year so far—among those are Latino and Hispanic young men and women whose cases are either not solved or only partly solved. Hispanic and Latino murders are rarely noticed by the media except by The Fort Worth Star Telegram, which does a great job of reporting. Such cases include not only that of my cousin but also the murder of another Hispanic teen Dominik James DeLeon, 18, of Saginaw, Texas. Dominik was noted by teachers to be a good student. He was murdered near his home on June 15. He died in a Fort Worth hospital. His case is also awaiting justice.

The city’s murder rate was also presidential debate topic this year, causing Republican mayor Betsy Price to tone down a sense of crisis and urgency.

Other recent cases from Fort Worth include the following:

• Yesenia Abigail Corpus Garcia, 19,  who was found dead inside her home. (The Fort Worth Police Department shared a Facebook post with a video of possible suspects.)
• Francisco Macias, 49, who was shot and killed outside his home. Macias was father of two and a forklift driver. The case now has the attention of the police and media after the family asked the public for support.

Justice for My Cousin

The life of my cousin Frank was taken in the early morning hours of Saturday, August 22 in River Oaks, Texas. Family and friends believe he was targeted and called to be murdered that day. Police reported Frank was murdered with a bullet to his head after suspects opened fire on the vehicle he was driving.

The doctors told the family upon arrival to the hospital that there was nothing that could be done to save him. They kept him on life support through the weekend to wait for his grandparents to arrive from Mexico before he was unplugged from life support and his organs donated.

“They destroyed our lives. All we ask is for justice to be done,” Frank’s mother said.

Frank was more than a son, brother, friend and soccer player who always shared a smile and was always ready to help.

“He was a really close friend and always showed love and cared about people, and was always there for his friends and family, he will always be remembered,” one of Frank’s friends said.

Frank’s family, friends and the Forth Worth community are seeking justice for Frank. We have created a petition for him. There is also a memorial page on the National Gun Violence website.

We are seeking answers. We are seeking justice. And we will not be silent.

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