Groom shot in the head in robbery at backyard wedding reception, Missouri reports say

A wedding reception turned into a dire situation when the groom was shot in the backyard of a Missouri home, reports say.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said two masked men entered the backyard during the gathering around 1 a.m. on June 29.

The gathering was for the marriage of Manuel and Dulce Gonzalez, KTVI reported, with their children reportedly in attendance.

One of the men was armed with two handguns, and they announced a robbery, police said.

Loved ones said the groom was shot in the head during the robbery attempt, according to a GoFundMe.

Two suspects fled on foot, and the victim was taken to a hospital, where he was listed in critical condition, police said.

“They took nothing, yet they took everything from us,” Yaribeth Pena, the bride’s sister, told KTVI.

Pena, who told KTVI the entire incident lasted just 30 seconds, described the groom as an “all-around good person.”

A family member requested help from community members who may have captured the gunmen on their surveillance camera.

“His family did not deserve this,” Lucy Peña Villa said in a Facebook post. “This was supposed to be one of the happiest days of their lives.”

Police said the investigation is ongoing.

This story was originally published July 1, 2024 at 9:56 AM with the headline "Groom shot in the head in robbery at backyard wedding reception, Missouri reports say."