Sherlyn Galvan, 18, and Athziri Cervantes, 24, Tragically Killed in Shooting Outside Webster Cinemark Theater; Suspect Critically Injured After Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound
WEBSTER, TX – The lives of two young women were tragically and senselessly taken in a violent shooting outside the Cinemark theater on Monday night, leaving their families and the community in shock and grief. Sherlyn Galvan, 18, and Athziri Cervantes, 24, were identified by loved ones as the victims of the fatal shooting, which unfolded in the parking lot of the theater along the Gulf Freeway, near the NASA Bypass, just before 9:45 p.m.
The evening, which began as a routine night for moviegoers at the popular theater, ended in tragedy, leaving two families shattered by the devastating loss of young women full of potential, ambition, and kindness. Sherlyn Galvan and Athziri Cervantes were transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition following the shooting, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, both victims succumbed to their injuries.
Sherlyn Galvan, a recent high school graduate, had just begun to take her first steps toward the future she dreamed of. Described by family members as a compassionate and loving young woman, Sherlyn was known for her innate ability to brighten any room she entered. Her mother, Maria Galvan, shared in a heart-wrenching statement, “Sherlyn was everything to us. She was so full of life, so kind, always caring for everyone around her. We are completely devastated by her loss. We will never understand why this happened, but we’ll always remember her smile and the way she could make everyone feel special. She had such a beautiful future ahead of her, and it was stolen from us in an instant.”
Athziri Cervantes, 24, was a young woman who had quickly made a mark on everyone she met. She had a vibrant personality, a deep love for life, and a passionate desire to support her family and friends. Her sister, Mariana Cervantes, recalled her sibling’s boundless energy and warm spirit. “Athziri was a one-of-a-kind person,” Mariana said, her voice breaking. “She was so loving, so loyal, and always the life of the party. Everyone loved her. She made people feel good about themselves. We can’t understand why this happened, and it’s hard to accept that we won’t see her again. She was just beginning to build her future, and now it’s gone.”
As the investigation into the shooting continues, authorities are piecing together the events that led to this horrifying tragedy. According to Webster Police, officers responded to the scene at approximately 9:45 p.m. Monday evening, where they discovered three individuals—two women and a male suspect—suffering from gunshot wounds. The victims were quickly rushed to a local hospital in critical condition, but despite efforts to save them, both Sherlyn and Athziri tragically succumbed to their injuries.
The suspect, whose name has not been officially released, was found at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was also transported to the hospital in critical condition. Police are treating the incident as a potential attempted murder-suicide, but are still gathering evidence and conducting interviews to fully understand what led to the violent altercation. The suspect’s motives, relationship with the victims, and the specific circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.
Webster Police Chief Pete Bacon issued a statement expressing condolences to the families of the victims and emphasizing the department’s commitment to finding the truth. “Our hearts go out to the families of Sherlyn Galvan and Athziri Cervantes. This is a senseless tragedy, and we are doing everything in our power to understand what led to these tragic deaths,” Chief Bacon said. “We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone involved, and we ask for patience as we continue to investigate. Our thoughts are also with the individual responsible for this, who is currently in critical condition. This is an ongoing investigation, and we will provide further updates as more information becomes available.”
The tragedy has rocked the small community of Webster, where many people knew and admired Sherlyn and Athziri for their kindness, work ethic, and warm personalities. Locals have begun to express their grief and support for the families through social media posts, memorials, and fundraising efforts aimed at helping with funeral costs and supporting the victims’ loved ones.
Sherlyn Galvan’s high school friends described her as a person who always made them feel valued. A former classmate, Lily Thompson, shared, “Sherlyn was one of the most caring people I’ve ever known. She was always there for everyone, whether you needed help with schoolwork, someone to talk to, or just a friend. She had a way of making you feel like you mattered. I can’t believe she’s gone. It doesn’t feel real.”
Similarly, Athziri Cervantes’ close-knit circle of friends expressed their shock and heartbreak over her untimely death. Close friend Danielle Reyes posted a tribute on social media, writing, “Athziri was always the life of the party. She made everyone laugh, and she was the friend who would drop everything to help you out. She had such a huge heart. I don’t know how we’re supposed to go on without her. It’s just so unfair.”
As loved ones grieve and struggle to come to terms with this devastating loss, the families of Sherlyn and Athziri are left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. They are now focused on remembering the beautiful young women they lost far too soon and seeking justice for the lives stolen from them.
Sherlyn’s mother, Maria, spoke about the deep pain of losing her daughter and the importance of holding on to the memories of her bright spirit. “Sherlyn was full of dreams. She was starting to build her life, to create something amazing. Her future was supposed to be filled with so much promise. Now, all we have are memories—and those memories will be what we hold on to. But we want answers. We want to know why this happened.”
Similarly, Athziri’s sister, Mariana, expressed a desire for justice in her sister’s name. “Athziri deserved so much more. She was so full of love, and it’s hard to accept that we won’t get to see her again. But we’ll do whatever we can to make sure her life wasn’t in vain. We want justice, for her and for Sherlyn. This should never have happened.”
The police department has asked for any witnesses or individuals with information regarding the shooting to come forward. Authorities are working closely with the families and offering support during this incredibly difficult time.
The Community Reacts: Support for Victims’ Families
The news of Sherlyn and Athziri’s deaths has rippled through the community of Webster, Texas, where both victims were well-known and deeply loved. As the investigation continues, community members have shown an outpouring of support for the families.
Local churches have opened their doors to offer counseling and support services to those impacted by the tragedy, while several fundraising initiatives have been set up to help with funeral expenses and to provide financial assistance to the families during this difficult time. Many people who knew the victims have come together in solidarity, lighting candles and holding small vigils in honor of Sherlyn and Athziri, reaffirming the deep love they shared with the young women.
In the face of overwhelming grief, the families of Sherlyn Galvan and Athziri Cervantes are doing their best to stay strong, united in their determination to remember their loved ones as they were—vibrant, full of life, and filled with potential. They are calling for justice for Sherlyn and Athziri, hoping that, despite the devastation, the truth about what happened that night will come to light, and the person responsible will be held accountable for this senseless act.
Sherlyn’s mother, Maria, concluded, “Sherlyn was my everything
