On Feb. 8, 2020, at approximately 8:30pm, the New Braunfels Police Department and the New Braunfels Fire Department were called to the 600 block of Sumner Circle for a report of a gunshot victim. First responders arrived and found a juvenile female that had suffered a critical gunshot wound from a handgun and was deceased at the scene. A Justice of the Peace was called to the scene and an autopsy has been ordered. The victim has since been identified as 16-year old Gabrielle Barrera of New Braunfels. Next of kin has been notified.
Officers immediately began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Detectives with the NBPD Criminal Investigations Division were called to the scene along with NBPD’s Crime Scene technicians to collect forensic evidence. After several hours of investigation, including interviews with witnesses, it was determined that the victim had been shot by her older brother. 17-year old Zachary Barrera of New Braunfels was then taken into custody and transported to the Comal County Jail where he was charged with 1st degree felony Murder. Bond has been set at $250,000 and, as of this release, Barrera remains in custody.
This incident remains under investigation. NBPD has been in contact with officials from the Comal ISD where the victim attended school and the district will soon be releasing information about counselors and other resources for students and staff affected by this incident.
