Family and friends formed a tight circle around the mother of 18-year-old Javier Flores.
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Many offered hugs.
Flores was shot in the neck as he intervened in a robbery Wednesday night. Both he and his mother were working at the Subway in the 3900 block of Broadway near the Gulf Freeway when two men tried to rob it. Houston police say one man pointed a gun at his mother. Javier tried to protect her.
RELATED: Police release sketch and video of suspects in robbery
"Things like this shouldn't happen to anybody," said Sebastian Suaste, who attended the vigil.
"It's pretty hard," added Juan Campos, Flores' cousin.
Less than a hour later Wednesday night, the same men were robbing another Subway in the 4800 block of San Jacinto, according to Houston police. Investigators released surveillance video, and while it doesn't show the suspects faces, the sweatshirts they were wearing may give them away. One says, "We're a Big deal." The other says, "California Republic."
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Earlier Thursday, police released a composite sketch of the shooter, drawn from the mother's memory. He is described as skinny and about 5'10". Surveillance video from a nearby business shows a 2001-2003 Mazda Protégé leaving the scene.
His family said he was looking forward to graduation and wanted to join the Marines.
If you're looking to help the family, you can donate to their GoFundMe account.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Houston Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. A reward of up to $30,000 is being offered after a $25,000 gift from a concerned citizen.