The tragic tragedy at Allen Premium Outlets in Texas claimed eight lives and wounded many more. We are learning more about the victims as the dust settles after the Saturday event.
Continue reading to hear about the eight people who died in this horrific act of violence.
The Chos were visiting Allen Premium Outlets to return some items that their 6-year-old son William had received for his birthday four days earlier. When the attacker started firing, the family was on their way to the H&M shop. Cindy and Kyu Cho and their two boys, William, 6, and James, 3, were among the four members of the family. Only William survived the assault and is presently in the intensive care unit.
Prestonwood Christian Academy was where the two boys went to school. “What a sweet family,” observed Dr. Jack Graham, senior pastor of the congregation. “Three of the four are in heaven, and one child has been left behind.”
Wylie ISD has also confirmed the identities of the two females killed in the incident. Daniela Mendoza, 11, and Sofia Mendoza, 8, both attended Cox Elementary in Sachse.
Krista Wilson, principal of Cox Elementary, described the two youngsters as “rays of sunshine.”
Daniela and Sofia were the kindest, most considerate students with smiles that could light up any room, Wilson said in a statement. Ilda Mendoza, the children’ mom, was also wounded but survived and is still in the hospital.
Aishwarya Thatikonda, a young Indian lady, was another victim. Ashok Kolla, a family spokesperson, verified the tragic news. Kolla said that he spent the day Sunday seeking for Thatikonda after her roommates got worried about her absence. Her mobile had also been switched off.
Kolla searched with other friends, the police, and hospitals but was unsuccessful until he contacted the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office and located Thatikonda. She and a buddy had gone to Allen Premium Outlets. Her buddy was also shot, however survived.
They don’t want to hear the bad news, but that’s what it is, Kolla said. He is presently attempting to take her remains back to India so that her family may visit her one last time and conduct funeral rituals.
The family is thousands of miles away, and she came here for a better dream, Kolla said. Coming to the United States is a dream come true for many of their international students, who believe they will have a bright future.
Painful. It’s all over the news now, he replied. It’s just counting down the days until she gets there, right? It’s excruciating.
Christian LaCour, 20, was another victim of the incident. The young guy was killed while working as a guard at the place. His death was reported by his mom to the media.
Elio Cumana-Rivas, 32, of Dallas, was the last victim of the incident.
So many individuals were killed and wounded in the terrible attack. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by this tragic occurrence.
