In the early hours of Sunday, May 4, 2025, a Sweet 16 celebration in southeast Houston turned into a scene of unimaginable tragedy. The vibrant gathering, filled with family and friends honoring a milestone birthday, was shattered by a mass shooting that claimed the life of 18-year-old Joe Anthony, known lovingly as “Joey,” and left 15 others wounded. The incident, which unfolded just before 1:00 a.m. in the 6000 block of Cherryhill Street, has left a community grieving and searching for answers.
Joey, described by his family as a beacon of light, was the heart of every gathering. A recent high school graduate and newly certified welder, he was poised to begin a promising career the following week. As the second oldest of seven brothers, Joey was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his family’s first baby girl, a niece he would have cherished as a first-time uncle. His infectious spirit and golden heart touched everyone he met, leaving a void that his loved ones say cannot be filled. “He was always cherished, whether as a friend or a playful headache,” his family shared, their words heavy with sorrow.
The Houston Police Department reported that the violence erupted when an uninvited guest was asked to leave the party. As the individual exited, he opened fire on the crowd, sparking chaos. Several attendees returned gunfire, escalating the situation into a dangerous crossfire. Officers arriving at the scene were met with the sounds of ongoing gunshots and found victims scattered across the property, some critically injured. To ensure the safety of emergency responders, police coordinated with the Houston Fire Department to transport the wounded to a nearby Jack in the Box on Long Street near Loop 610, where paramedics could provide immediate care. Some victims were rushed to hospitals by ambulance, while others were driven in private vehicles, their conditions ranging from serious to critical.
The victims, ranging in age from 16 to 40, reflect the diverse group gathered to celebrate the young honoree. While specific details about their conditions remain undisclosed, the scale of the tragedy has reverberated through the Mayfair neighborhood and beyond. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with partygoers fleeing in panic, some hiding between houses as gunfire rang out. One attendee, Christian Sanchez, recounted to local media the harrowing moment he and his friends realized their companion had been fatally wounded. “We had to pick him up and put him in the back of my truck,” Sanchez said, his voice breaking. “He bled out and passed away.”
As the Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division continues its investigation, multiple individuals have been detained for questioning, though no arrests have been made. Authorities are piecing together evidence from multiple crime scenes and are urging anyone who attended the event or has relevant information to come forward. The police have emphasized the importance of community cooperation, noting that evidence such as video footage or items left in vehicles could be critical to identifying the shooter. Contact numbers for the Homicide Division and Crime Stoppers have been widely shared, with the latter offering anonymity for tipsters.
In the wake of this devastating loss, the community has rallied to support Joey’s family. A fundraiser has been launched to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial relief as they navigate their grief. The outpouring of love for Joey underscores the profound impact he had on those around him. Neighbors in the Mayfair area, still reeling from the violence, have expressed both sorrow and frustration, with some calling for stronger measures to address gun violence.
This tragedy, occurring during a weekend of celebration, serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for unity in the face of senseless violence. As Houston mourns, the focus remains on honoring Joey’s memory, supporting the injured, and seeking justice for all those affected. The police investigation is ongoing, and the community is encouraged to hold the victims and their families close in thought during this profoundly difficult time.