On Saturday, May 7, 2023, a tragic event occurred at the Allen Premium Outlets in Texas. Eight people were killed, and seven others were injured in a mass shooting, sending shockwaves throughout the community. As the investigation continues into the shooter’s identity and motives, the focus now turns to remembering the lives lost and honoring their memories.
Three members of the Cho family, Cindy, Kyu, and 3-year-old James Cho, were among the victims. The family was visiting the outlets to exchange clothes their son, William, had received for his birthday just four days prior to the shooting. William was also shot and remains in ICU.
Daniela and Sofia Mendoza, 11 and 8 years old respectively, attended Cox Elementary in Sachse. The sisters were both passionate about cheerleading and took classes at Wylie Elite cheerleading. Their mother, Ilda Mendoza, was also shot and is currently in critical condition.
Aishwarya Thatikonda was another victim of the shooting. After her roommates reported her missing, family representative Ashok Kolla spent all day searching for her before finally discovering that she was one of the victims.
20-year-old Christian LaCour, a security guard at the shopping center, was also among the victims. LaCour grew up in Farmersville, and his mother described him as an outgoing and friendly person.
Elio Cumana-Rivas, a 32-year-old from Dallas, was also shot and killed at the Allen Premium Outlets.
As the community mourns the loss of these innocent lives, a group of people put up seven giant black crosses to commemorate the victims, joining the original black cross that was put up over the weekend. The victims’ families, friends, and loved ones are left to grieve and make sense of the senseless tragedy that took their loved ones too soon.
