The Mississinewa High School community in Gas City, Indiana, is reeling from the devastating loss of 17-year-old Julio Matamoros, a senior and beloved member of the school’s baseball team, who died from injuries sustained in a shooting on Monday. The incident, which authorities have described as a robbery gone wrong, has left students, faculty, and residents grappling with grief and searching for answers in the wake of this tragedy.
On Monday evening, Marion Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 1500 block of South Western Avenue, a quiet residential area not far from the high school. Upon arriving at the scene, they found Matamoros lying on the ground, suffering from a single gunshot wound. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, the young athlete succumbed to his injuries. Before being transported, Matamoros was able to provide police with critical information, identifying his shooter as an individual named “Cordel.”
Investigators swiftly identified 18-year-old Cordel Bice as the suspect. According to police reports, Bice was linked to a vehicle seen fleeing the scene shortly after the shooting. Authorities believe the incident was connected to an attempted transaction involving vape cartridges. What began as a seemingly routine exchange escalated into violence, though the precise circumstances remain under investigation. Bice was taken into custody and preliminarily charged with attempted murder and robbery resulting in serious bodily injury. He was booked into the Grant County Jail, though online records indicate he is no longer listed as being in custody. As of Wednesday, no formal charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward.
The Mississinewa Community School Corporation confirmed Matamoros’ death in a heartfelt statement released on Tuesday. Describing Julio as a vibrant student and a dedicated athlete, the district expressed profound sorrow and extended condolences to his family and friends. The school has made counseling and support services available to students and staff, recognizing the deep impact of this loss on the tight-knit community. Friends and teammates have taken to social media to share memories of Matamoros, describing him as a kind-hearted individual with a contagious smile and a passion for baseball. His presence on the field and in the classroom left an indelible mark, and his absence is keenly felt.
The shooting has also raised broader concerns about youth violence and the accessibility of firearms in the region. Marion, a city of roughly 28,000 residents, has faced its share of challenges with crime, but incidents involving high school students are particularly jarring. Community leaders and parents are calling for increased efforts to address the root causes of such violence, including economic hardship and the proliferation of illegal weapons. The tragedy has sparked conversations about how to ensure the safety of young people, both in schools and in the neighborhoods where they live.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on seeking justice for Julio Matamoros and supporting those he left behind. The Marion Police Department is working diligently to piece together the events that led to this senseless act, and the community is coming together to honor the memory of a young man whose life was cut tragically short. For now, the people of Mississinewa hold tight to their memories of Julio, determined to keep his spirit alive amidst their grief.
