A St. Louis couple was basking in the glow of their brand-new marriage when gun violence changed their lives forever. Francisco and Dulce Gonzalez were married in the backyard of their South St. Louis home on June 28, 2024, and continued their celebration into the early morning hours of June 29. Just before 1 a.m., two masked gunmen allegedly entered the celebration and opened fire, hitting Francisco Gonzalez in the head and leaving him seriously injured.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department issued a press release detailing the robbery. After allegedly robbing wedding guests and shooting Francisco Gonzalez in the head, the men ran away, and police are looking help identifying the gunmen.
More From CafeMom: Mass Shooting at a Teen's Sweet 16 Birthday Party Leaves at Least 20 Injured & 4 Dead
The couple were reportedly thrilled to be married.
Per KSDK, Dulce and Francisco had been dating for a decade and had two children together. About 50 friends and family members had gathered to celebrate the nuptials, and the party started to wrap up around midnight.
Yaribeth Peña, the bride's sister, told the news station a few people were left just talking when two gunmen in ski masks allegedly entered the backyard. Peña reportedly ran inside and heard a gunshot ring out moments later.
Ring camera footage appears to show the gunman casing the party a short time earlier.
Peña reportedly shared the footage with KSDK, and it appears two potential suspects came by the house on a bike around 12:07 a.m. as Gonzalez was taking guests outside to their cars. About an hour later, the two robbers allegedly appeared in the couple's backyard and began stealing from guests' pockets before shooting the groom in the head.
The incident has created fear in the neighborhood.
Peña lives next door and shares a driveway with her sister and brother-in-law. She told KSDK that she now wants to leave the neighborhood for her safety.
"I feel like we would have to move to feel comfortable. I would like for the community to help us locate these suspects," she said.
St. Louis police are searching for the two men, and the investigation is ongoing, as noted in the release.
Francisco Gonzales is in critical condition.
The father of two was taken to an area hospital in critical condition, according to police. Peña told KSDK that her brother-in-law is a fighter.
"He's fighting for his life. We are hoping he pulls through. (My sister) is distraught, she's depressed, she's heartbroken. They were saying my brother-in-law was going for his wallet and maybe they thought he was going for a weapon," Peña said.
More from CafeMom: Fiancée of Maine Shooting Victim Describes Telling Toddler Daddy Will Never Be Back
The community has rallied around the family.
Per a post on the St. Cecilia School & Academy Facebook page, the Gonzalez children attend the parish school, and its administration has asked for prayers and love for the family.
"The family of 2 of our students is going through an unthinkable tragedy. Please join us in praying for them and if possible with a donation. God bless and keep you all safe," the post reads.
The school included a link to a GoFundMe account created to help the family. Thus far, it has raised more than $25,000 of its $50,000 goal.
"Francisco is still sedated while we're waiting for the swelling to decrease. Otherwise, his vitals are strong. Dulce has been by his side every day," the GoFundMe page reads.
