Early Saturday morning, a shooting at Tom Lea Upper Park in east‑side El Paso claimed the lives of two individuals. The incident, which occurred around 4 a.m., shocked the surrounding community and sparked immediate calls for stronger neighborhood safety measures.
Neighbors describe the night
Long‑time resident Nancy Monty, who lives just down the street from the park, said she heard nothing from the front of her home. “We weren’t alerted. Our alarms didn’t go off. Our cameras are on. Nothing,” Monty told ABC‑7’s Olivia Vara. She added that she only learned of the shooting the next morning when the news reported the 4 a.m. event.
Monty, who is part of a local group already meeting with the El Paso Police Department, said the tragedy has intensified residents’ desire to formalize a neighborhood watch. “That’s scary because it’s right across from our house,” she said. “I’ve had tons of phone calls and texts from friends—’Are you okay? Are you okay?'”
Plans for a neighborhood watch
The community group is scheduled to meet with city police on Tuesday to discuss how to establish an official watch program. Topics on the agenda include improving communication channels, reporting suspicious activity promptly, and creating a reliable link between residents and law‑enforcement officers.
Police officials have encouraged anyone with information about the shooting to contact the El Paso Police Department or Crime Stoppers of El Paso. No further details about the suspect or motive have been released at this time.
Impact on the neighborhood
Tom Lea Upper Park is a popular gathering spot for families and seniors, and the shooting has raised concerns about safety in the area. Residents hope that a structured watch will deter future violence and provide a sense of security for those who use the park daily.
Local leaders have reiterated their commitment to public safety, emphasizing that the police department will continue to investigate the incident while working closely with community volunteers. “Our goal is to ensure that all El Paso neighborhoods feel safe and supported,” a police spokesperson said.
How to help
Authorities are asking the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑8477 or online via the El Paso Police Department’s website.
As the investigation proceeds, the community’s focus remains on honoring the victims and preventing further tragedy through collective action and cooperation with law‑enforcement.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
