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Family says 10-year-old boy killed in Pearland flea market shooting was there helping his mom

Francisco Vicente Duarte, who was called "Chente" by family and friends, was at Cole's Flea Market when he was caught in the crossfire of a shootout.

PEARLAND, Texas — We're learning more about the little boy who was shot and killed Sunday evening at a Pearland flea market

Family members identified the victim as 10-year-old Francisco Vicente Duarte whose nickname was "Chente." 

They said he was at Cole's Flea Market to help his mom who worked there to earn a living. The single mom, who also has a teenage daughter, is obviously very distraught and heartbroken. 

Family members described "Chente" as a kind child and a "little angel." 

Pearland police said they are determined to catch the boy's killer. 

"A 10-year-old child was killed in a senseless manner, so any support we can get, whether it's financially or the public, is very welcome in this case," Chad Rogers with PPD said at a news conference on Monday. "Again, we deserve justice for this young person."

RELATED: Child killed, 4 wounded in Pearland flea market shooting

David Negrete, 19, is wanted on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and he should be considered "armed and dangerous," police said in an updated statement. Negrete, of Pearland, was identified after police interviewed witnesses and victims and looked at surveillance videos.

"This is very, very important that we get this person in custody as soon as possible," Rogers said.

RELATED: Pearland police name suspect after child shot and killed, four others injured at flea market

Four other people were injured in the shooting. Rogers said a 14-year-old Hispanic female and a 37-year-old Hispanic man were also innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire

Police are working to determine if the other two shooting victims, a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old male, were connected to the shootout. 

"Again, they're being actively investigated into their role, if any, in what happened," Rogers said. 

A GoFundMe.com account was set up to help pay for the child's funeral expenses. 

NEWS CONFERENCE: PPD names suspect in deadly flea market shooting

What happened

Police were sent to Cole's Antique Village and Flea Market at 1014 North Main after a report of shots fired around 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 12.

All of the victims were rushed to hospitals in Houston and Clear Lake but the 10-year-old boy didn't survive.

Homicide detectives believe at least two to three people were involved in an altercation that led to the shootout. Two to three handguns were fired.

Rogers said it's a tragedy for the victims and their families, as well as others who were at the flea market, including people who make a living there.

"Tragic and senseless. That kind of stuff doesn't happen in Pearland and it's a very sad day," Rogers said.

RELATED: Child killed, 4 wounded in Pearland flea market shooting were innocent bystanders, police say| No arrests in case

$15,000 reward

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday that the state will add $10,000 to the $5,000 reward offered by for a total of $15,000 for information leading to the shooters.

"Texas mourns the loss of a precious child following the devastating tragedy in Pearland yesterday, and our hearts are with the four other victims in the hospital as they recover from their injuries," Abbott said in a release.

To be eligible for the reward, the state said to do one of the following:

  • Call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)
  • Submit a web tip through the Texas 10 Most Wanted website or Facebook page
  • Submit a tip through the DPS Mobile App

Pearland police also ask anyone who knows anything about the case to call them at 281-997-5828.

Anayeli Ruiz on social media: Facebook | X | Instagram

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