Tulsa Community Mourns 15-Year-Old Alexander Puentes, Fatally Shot During Church Festival
TULSA, OK — The local community is devastated after the tragic shooting death of 15-year-old Alexander Puentes, who was among the victims of a violent altercation during a church festival held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in east Tulsa on Sunday evening, July 27, 2025. The incident was confirmed as a fatal shooting amid an otherwise joyful parish event.
🔍 Incident Overview
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The shooting occurred around 9:00 p.m. in the church parking lot, just as the all-day festival was coming to a close. The festival had drawn hundreds of parishioners and families for food, friendship, and fellowship.
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According to Tulsa Police, a physical altercation between two young individuals escalated rapidly into the use of firearm. Alexander was struck by gunfire and transported to a nearby hospital, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries. He was the only confirmed fatality from the incident, but other individuals were hospitalized with non-fatal injuries.
đź’” Community Grief and Loss
The death of Alexander Puentes—just fifteen years old—has cast a pall over Tulsa. In a place meant for celebration and unity, his life was cut short in a moment of senseless violence. Local faith leaders, city officials, and community groups have issued heartfelt condolences, calling for peace and healing.
The Diocese of Tulsa issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of a young life in their parish community, and extended prayers to the Puentes family and all those impacted by the tragedy.
🧠Calls for Healing & Prevention
Faith-based organizations and community advocates have emphasized the urgent need to address youth conflict resolution and firearm safety. In the aftermath of this tragedy, several initiatives have been proposed:
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Safe Space Dialogue: Hosting facilitated conversations between young people and teens to discuss conflict management without violence.
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Parish Partnerships: Collaborating with local churches to increase proactive engagement and youth mentorship programs.
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Gun Safety Awareness: Encouraging advocacy for safe firearm storage and educational programs aimed at preventing escalation of altercations.
đź“ť Summary of Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Alexander Puentes, age 15 |
| Incident Date/Time | Evening of July 27, 2025, around 9:00 p.m. |
| Location | Church parking lot festival at St. Thomas More, Tulsa |
| Event Type | Community church festival; large attendance |
| Cause of Death | Gunshot wound during escalating conflict |
| Other Victims | Others injured but survived |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; Tulsa Police seeking witnesses and surveillance footage |
| Community Response | Mourning, calls for enhanced youth engagement and peace |
🌷 In Memory
Alexander’s passing reminds us all how precious and fragile youth can be—especially at moments when they gather to celebrate community and belonging. Though his life was brief, his loss echoes deeply in a city yearning for solutions to prevent future tragedies.
To those grieving his loss—family, friends, parishioners, and classmates—may Alexander’s memory inspire conversations, compassion, and efforts toward peace.
If you or anyone has information that could assist investigators, please contact the Tulsa Police Department or Crime Stoppers. Anonymous tips may help bring answers and closure.
Rest in peace, Alexander Puentes. May your spirit guide efforts to protect young lives from violence, and may your memory be a blessing.