The San Antonio community is mourning the loss of 18-year-old Eric James Zamora, who was fatally shot during a violent encounter on the city’s Northwest Side. The incident unfolded on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, around 2:45 p.m. near the intersection of Mardell Street and West Avenue, leaving residents shaken and raising renewed concerns about gun violence in the area.
According to the San Antonio Police Department, Zamora and a woman had arranged to meet another individual for a transaction facilitated through OfferUp, an online marketplace used for buying and selling goods. The deal, the details of which remain undisclosed, quickly escalated into a heated argument. During the altercation, gunfire erupted, and Zamora was struck in the back by a single bullet.
Police reports indicate that after the shooting, the woman accompanying Zamora drove him to an apartment complex near Babcock Road and Loop 410, where he was found by first responders. Despite efforts to save him, Zamora was pronounced dead at the scene. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office identified him on Thursday, July 24, 2025, and ruled his death a homicide, confirming the cause as a gunshot wound to the back.
Investigators have not released the identity of the other individual involved in the shooting, nor have they specified whether the person remained at the scene or fled. As of the latest updates, no arrests have been made, and the San Antonio Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. It remains unclear whether charges will be filed, as authorities continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine the sequence of events and whether the shooting was an act of self-defense or otherwise.
This tragic event has underscored the risks associated with in-person transactions arranged through online platforms. Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution during such exchanges, recommending the use of designated safe trade zones, often located at police stations, to prevent similar incidents. The shooting also adds to ongoing concerns about gun violence in San Antonio, prompting calls for increased community vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police promising further updates as new details emerge. The loss of Eric James Zamora has left a profound impact on the community, sparking conversations about safety and the need for greater awareness in everyday interactions.