San Marcos police continue searching for a second suspect, 19-year-old Avery Bowman Jr.
SAN MARCOS, Texas — For the family of 24-year-old Anthony Barrera, grief has come with agonizing questions and a longing for answers. Days after he was fatally shot in San Marcos, alongside 20-year-old Alek Pacheco, his loved ones told KVUE the loss has turned their world upside down.
San Marcos police arrested 19-year-old Jermiah Tobias, who now faces capital murder charges. In an update early Tuesday morning, police said they have also arrested a second suspect, 19-year-old Avery Bowman Jr., who is accused of robbing one of the victims. Bowman Jr. was wanted for capital murder in connection to the weekend shooting.
Meanwhile, Anthony Barrera’s father, Antonio Barrera, said he’s clinging to the final memory of his son.
“Last Thursday, I don’t know why, but he gave me more hugs than normal,” Antonio Barrera said. “That night, I remember, I almost pushed him away because he gave me a fourth hug. I took it anyway, and that was it – I talked to him the following day, but I didn’t see him. So that’s the last memory I have.”
Antonio Barrera described his son as a funny, outgoing and loving person. He said he leaves behind a 4-year-old son of his own.
“I don’t know how we’re going to do it [tell Anthony Barerra’s son]. Little boy comes home asking for daddy. Daddy was his entire world. I mean, literally,” Antonio Barerra said.
Family and friends say they are determined to find answers and want justice for Anthony Barrera.
“I wish somebody would have defended him,” close friend Andrea Currie said. “I wish somebody would have stepped in to intervene – if that means calling the cops sooner, doing something to help him.”
Antonio Barrera said he will not stop pushing for justice.
“I want all participants to be brought to justice. That is it, bottom line,” he said. “And I will push for this all the way through.”