What began as a joyful family baptism celebration ended in tragedy early Sunday morning, when a 35-year-old man was fatally shot during a fight with a relative at a home in Balch Springs.
Police say Cristian Gabriel Montes was found with multiple gunshot wounds shortly after 12:26 a.m. on July 27, 2025, at a residence in the 3900 block of Peachtree Road. The gathering was being held in honor of the baptism of Montes’ young son.
Officers arrested 19-year-old Leonardo Asis Campos Torres at the scene after several witnesses identified him as the shooter. Authorities confirmed that both men were related and had been attending the same family event.
According to witness statements, tensions escalated after Montes confronted Campos over an earlier incident in which Campos allegedly discharged a firearm near his parked vehicle. The confrontation turned physical, and during the altercation, Campos reportedly pulled a 9mm handgun and opened fire.
After being taken into custody and read his Miranda rights, Campos admitted to shooting Montes. He told investigators he acted in self-defense, claiming Montes had physically assaulted him before he retrieved the weapon.
Montes was transported to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, where medical staff confirmed he had suffered at least two gunshot wounds — one to the upper chest and another to the back. Investigators say this pattern suggests Montes may have been shot while turning away or after falling.
Multiple spent shell casings were recovered near a Chevrolet Tahoe parked outside the home. The investigation remains ongoing.
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