A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Houston when 61-year-old grandfather Jorge Arbaiza was killed inside a McDonald's.
The grandfather was purchasing Happy Meals for his grandchildren when a shootout broke out, claiming his life. His family, waiting outside the restaurant, had no idea of the horrific incident unfolding inside.
Jorge Arbaiza, described as "crazy for his grandkids," was caught in a violent gunfight between two groups of men at a McDonald's in the Houston area. Arbaiza had gone inside to buy Happy Meals for his grandchildren while his wife, Teresa, and the kids waited outside.
It was while he was waiting for his order that the gunfire erupted. His wife, who had stayed in the car with their grandchildren, could not leave them alone in the vehicle. As the chaos unfolded inside, Teresa could only hear the heartbreak of her husband's last words: “I’m dying. I’m going to die.”
The family’s devastation is unimaginable. Teresa, his wife of nearly 40 years, spoke to KHOU 11 about the tragedy, explaining that she couldn't leave her crying and scared grandchildren alone in the car.
Her words reflect the emotional toll of the event: "I couldn’t leave the kids alone. I could not go inside." The family’s ordeal continues as they try to process the sudden loss of their beloved husband and father.
Stuart Brown, the owner and operator of the Houston McDonald's, expressed sorrow over the senseless violence that claimed Arbaiza’s life. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Brown said, "We are deeply saddened by this senseless violence that led to a tragic loss of life."
The Harris County Sheriff, Ed Gonzalez, also condemned the shooting as senseless and shared updates about the investigation. "Multiple shots were fired while the business was full of customers, including several children," he said, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Detectives have already identified a suspect vehicle and several individuals involved in the altercation.
One of the individuals involved in the shooting was wounded but survived. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, though the shooters remain unidentified. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Harris County Homicide Office at 713-274-9100 or Crime Stop Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
