Order photos

Two Cox Elementary students among Allen shooting victims

by | May 8, 2023 | Latest

This article was updated at 10:10 a.m. Tuesday, May 9, to include the identities of all victims along with additional fundraising websites.

The impacts of the Saturday, May 6, shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets were felt in a local elementary school, whose two students were among the eight dead and seven wounded.

The incident took place around 3:30 p.m. when Mauricio Garcia, 33, opened fire inside the Allen mall.

Two siblings, second-grader Sofia Mendoza, 8, and fourth-grader Daniela Mendoza, 11, at Cox Elementary School, were killed while their mother, Ilda, remains in critical condition, according to a communication sent out by Wylie ISD Superintendent David Vinson.

“Words cannot express the sadness we feel as we grieve the loss of our students,” Vinson said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and all those affected by this senseless tragedy.”

On Wednesday, May 10, Wylie ISD students have been encouraged to wear yellow, which was the girls’ favorite color, a district announcement said.

The information has been relayed to staff at the school, Vinson’s message said, but children were not notified of the deaths because the district wants to let parents have the conversations with their child.

Wylie ISD’s counseling staff has also promoted material from Supporting Your Child from the Coalition of Grieving Students along with information from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network to assist children affected by traumatic grief.

“We know this news may be triggering for some, and we want to help our students, staff, and families however possible,” Vinson’s message said. “Every school’s counseling team is equipped to support those who may be struggling, so please do not hesitate to reach out.”

Additional counseling resources were made available Monday, May 8, through Tuesday, May 9, according to Executive Director of Communications April Cunningham. More resources will also be made available as needed going forward, she said.

The family has a GoFundMe page that has raised $122,037 as of 9:45 a.m. May 9.

Currently, other victims have been identified as Christian LaCour, 20, a security guard from Nevada, Aishwarya Thatikonda, an engineer from India, Elio Cumana-Rivas, 32,  and Cho Kyu Song, 37, Kang Shin Young, 35, and James, their 3-year-old son. The family’s 6-year-old son, William, survived.

A GoFundMe for the family has raised over $1.3 million as of 9:45 a.m. May 9.

LaCour worked as a security guard at Allen Premium Outlets, according to information released by Allied Universal.

On May 8, the Allen Police Department announced the Community Foundation of Texas was establishing a Support for Allen Fund.

Proceeds from the fundraising effort will be given to area nonprofit organizations providing services, such as mental health and grief counseling and trauma support for victims, their families and first responders. The fund will not make direct payments to any individuals, according to its webpage.

Individuals can visit the dedicated webpage to make a contribution or learn more.

A Family Assistance Center, located at 451 St. Mary Drive in Allen, was open through Wednesday, May 10, although additional hours may be opened. The center was open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 8-10.

WEDC Gift Guide jpeg

0 Comments

Order photos

Related News

Senate prepared to hold trial in AG impeachment

Senate prepared to hold trial in AG impeachment

On the final day of the 88th Legislature, lawmakers in the Texas House of Representatives delivered 20 articles of impeachment against Attorney General Ken Paxton. By delivering the articles Monday, May 29, the Texas House triggered an impeachment process that is set...

read more
Early voting for runoff election begins May 30

Early voting for runoff election begins May 30

Runoff election early voting is right around the corner as voters will cast their ballots for two trustee positions on the Collin College board. The runoff election day is Saturday, June 10, with an early voting window that is set to begin Tuesday, May 30, and run...

read more
Memorial Day activities set for May 29

Memorial Day activities set for May 29

With Memorial Day on the horizon, it is a chance to reflect on the lives lost in defense of the rights and freedoms enjoyed by those across the United States. Residents and veterans alike are invited to honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in a...

read more
Watch center proposed

Watch center proposed

Speaking on the importance of identifying and preventing school shooting threats, a representative from the Collin County Sheriff’s Office presented a proposal for a watch center funded by school districts. The North Texas Fusion Center, which exists under the current...

read more
Summer reading underway

Summer reading underway

A summer staple of libraries across the country is underway in Wylie at the Smith Public Library. The annual summer reading program began Monday, May 22, at the library with activities and challenges designed for children, teens and adults. The program runs through...

read more
Sheriff hopes to aid inmates with IGNITE program

Sheriff hopes to aid inmates with IGNITE program

Sheriff Jim Skinner wants to reduce recidivism rates among Collin County jail inmates by offering a program where they can learn better life skills, improve their education and learn a trade. “Too often, we see generations of a family stuck in that vicious cycle of...

read more
New exhibit showcases Gibson Girl, railroad history

New exhibit showcases Gibson Girl, railroad history

After taking patrons to the ballgame and showing off the evolving fashion in the Victorian Era during March and April, the Brown House will be sharing insight on railroad history and an early influencer through August. The latest exhibits showcase the Gibson Girl, a...

read more
Refueling station special-use permit approved

Refueling station special-use permit approved

After tabling discussions of a car wash during the April 25 meeting, Wylie councilmembers reconsidered a proposal of the development that narrowly gained approval for an ordinance April 11. Devan Pharis with Estacado Interests presented an update of the development...

read more
Panel weighs in on fentanyl pandemic

Panel weighs in on fentanyl pandemic

In the Collin College Conference Center in Wylie, community members gathered on National Fentanyl Awareness Day Tuesday, May 9, to learn more about the impacts of the drug in their community. A panel discussion was hosted by the Wylie Police Department along with...

read more