Family of murdered 4-year-old Ava Castillo seeks justice

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Julie Gomez wants to know why anyone would murder an innocent four-year-old girl.

"She was four years old, just starting life. You stole her from us," said Gomez, Ava Castillo's aunt.

Gomez had just picked up four-year-old Ava and her siblings from school on Monday. Little did she know it would be the last time she would see Ava alive.

Neighbors are mourning the death of a 4-year-old girl who was shot and killed by robbers. Courtney Fischer reports.

On Monday night, Gomez's sister, Diana Gomez, returned home with Ava, and two of her other children. The four of them were in their apartment parking lot when deputies say two suspects demanded Gomez's purse.

When she didn't give it to them, Diana Gomez and her children were shot at.

"Her fiancé said that he normally gets a call from her and tells him, 'I'm outside. Come help me with the groceries.' This call was different. This call was like, I've been shot," said Julie Gomez.

Julie Gomez said Diana's ten-year-old daughter, Betzida Castillo, was grazed by a bullet. Diana had numerous gunshot wounds and is in critical condition. Ava died at the hospital. Her five-year-old brother was unharmed.

Harris County Sheriff's Office investigators believe three people were involved. They spent much of Tuesday at a motel on Bammel-Westfield, searching room 155. They went through clothes, personal items and medications. One man was arrested on an outstanding warrant for domestic assault. Eyewitness News has learned he's considered a 'person of interest.'

A gun, similar to the one used in the murder, was recovered along with other evidence to be tested.

At the scene, neighbors of the victims left balloons and notes. They are heartbroken about the violence and the little girl lost to it.

"I want justice for Ava," added Julie Gomez.

The family has set up a GoFundMe page you can access by clicking this link.