Introduction to the Incident
A deadly confrontation occurred inside the Galleria mall’s orange parking garage in early June, resulting in the death of 30-year-old Marine veteran Anthony Sanders. Two people have been arrested and charged with murder, including 22-year-old Justin Joshua Guzman, also known as @guzmanhimself on social media platforms, and 23-year-old Marko Cinan.
The Events Leading Up to the Confrontation
Sanders had been at the Galleria to pick up his fiancée on June 3 with their child. As she was riding the elevator, she came across a group of three men, including Guzman and Cinan. One of them asked her a question, but she ignored it. The man then allegedly called her a derogatory name. When she told Sanders about the incident, he drove around the parking garage to find the group of men, leading to a verbal exchange.
The Confrontation and Its Aftermath
As they left the garage, following behind the suspects, the suspects allegedly brake-checked them. Sanders then got out of the car, followed by more arguing, and then gunfire. The suspects took off in a black Chrysler 300 but were quickly stopped by Houston police near the scene. Investigators found two fired shell casings that fell out of Guzman’s lap when he got out of the car and a total of 14 fired shell casings inside the vehicle.
The Investigation and Arrests
The driver of the car, who does behind-the-scenes work for the social media content, told police they were at the Galleria that day working on content for TikTok, Twitch, and Kick. The driver believed that Sanders was trying to fight them because he thought they were trying to flirt with his fiancée in the elevator. Guzman and his attorney met with HPD homicide investigators for an interview, where Guzman claimed that Sanders appeared to have a gun in his waistband when he approached their vehicle. However, investigators found no knives or firearms near Sanders’ vehicle or in the area of the parking garage where the shooting took place.
Guzman’s Social Media and Bond Hearing
Police discovered captions on Guzman’s social media pages that implied they were influential figures in Texas. Guzman’s bond is set at $450,000, but his attorney is fighting to have it reduced to $50,000, citing his cooperation with law enforcement. A hearing related to Guzman’s bond has been scheduled, while Cinan’s bond remains set at $1 million.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the dangers of escalating confrontations and the importance of responsible social media behavior. The case is ongoing, with both Guzman and Cinan facing murder charges. As the investigation continues, it is essential to consider the impact of social media on our lives and the potential consequences of our actions. The community awaits the outcome of the trial, seeking justice for the victim and his family.
