FORT WORTH -- A 21-year-old man fatally wounded during a robbery Monday night was shot while trying to protect his 3-year-old stepson, police said Wednesday.
Islander Tavira, his wife and two stepchildren -- a 10-year-old girl and 3-year-old boy -- returned home from shopping about 9:30 p.m. and got out of their car in the parking lot of the Southgate Manor apartments, 1200 E. Seminary Drive.Several people were standing in a breezeway when one, wearing a ski mask and armed with a handgun, approached the family and demanded money, homicide Sgt. Cheryl Johnson said.Frightened, the 3-year-old began to run toward the family's apartment.When the robber began running in the same direction, Tavira chased after them, apparently fearing that the gunman was going after the boy."The victim immediately followed to protect the child from harm when the suspect shot the victim multiple times," police said in a news release.The robber ran off.Tavira was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. He died from a gunshot in the chest, the Tarrant County medical examiner's office ruled.On Wednesday, police were still trying to identify the gunman and the other people in the breezeway with him, Johnson said."At this time of year, when we're all thinking about family, this victim paid the ultimate sacrifice trying to protect his," Johnson said. "We are asking the community to assist us in solving this case so we can bring comfort to this grieving family."Anyone with information is asked to contact homicide Detective J.T. Rhoden at 817-392-4336. Also, tips can be made anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 817-469-TIPS (469-8477). CrimeStoppers offers reward money for information leading to an arrest in the case.Deanna Boyd, 817-390-7655Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
