SAN ANTONIO — The family of a man murdered in front of a Family Dollar on San Antonio's northwest side Tuesday night wants to set the record straight.
Police say 23-year-old Joshua Solis was killed while meeting someone on behalf of his mother.
However, his family says that's not true.
A San Antonio Police sergeant on scene said Solis was able to give officers information before he died.
Police say around 10:30, two men approached the victim's truck and asked for his name, but when he got an uncomfortable feeling, he tried to drive away.
Officers say that's when the suspects opened fire, hitting Solis twice in the back.
Thursday, four of Solis's cousins interviewed with KENS 5 on behalf of his parents. Amber Aleman, Sarah Barrera, Amanda Perez and Janice Cortinas held back tears when recalling fond memories with their loved one who was taken from the world way too soon.
"He was texting all of us Tuesday, the night that it happened," said Barrera. "He got a new job and how excited he was to work at a dealership."
Solis was optimistic about his new chapter in life. His dream was to pursue a career in real estate with the goal of providing for his family.
The Lanier graduate was always active and involved. Before graduating in 2020, Solis was a member of the track team and yearbook committee.
"[His mother] has had him since he was two. He was adopted," Barrera explained.
Family members say Solis's parents are experiencing the greatest heartache imaginable.
"He loved family. He loved people. He wanted to make everyone happy and he was very bright," said Barrera. "He would put everyone before himself, especially his mom and his dad."
Loved ones don't know why Solis was at the Family Dollar off Culebra near Callaghan with his girlfriend after the store closed.
"His dad had no idea. No one knew," said Perez.
The four cousins say, what they do know, is Solis wasn't doing a favor for his mother.
"Where that came from, I don't know," Perez added. "That's not true."
When asked if any conversations have been had with the girlfriend, family members say they are giving her space and time to grieve but she was not injured in the incident.
Solis belongs to a large, tight-knit family. They considered Solis the brightest light of all, who was always radiating positive energy.
"He was that person that at any party or any reunion or anything like that," said Barrera.
"He stood out," added Cortinas, as all started laughing.
"Yeah, he's very tall, but that wasn't the reason why," said Barrera.
Now, their next family gathering will be to raise money for a funeral.
"He wasn't the type of guy who carried a gun or carried for protection," Perez explained. "He wasn't afraid to talk to somebody and calm situations down by simply talking."
The suspects in this case are still running free. If you have any information about who's responsible, call police.
"We all have as much questions as anyone else does," added Cortinas.
Saturday at noon, the family will host a plate sale at 203 Cloudcroft Drive, #1. They said Casa Rio donated rice and beans for the occasion as an act of support for Solis -- their former employee.
Thursday, May 30, at 7 p.m., teachers and classmates from the Lanier class of 2020 will host a balloon release for Solis at the same Family Dollar off Culebra. All are invited to join in support.
For those who can't make the plate sale, but would like to make a financial donation to help with funeral expenses, you can send money via Cash App to $JavierDonias.