A tragic incident has led to a legal battle in Harris County, Texas, as a mother seeks justice for the untimely death of her teenage son. Sarina Zuniga filed a complaint on April 8, 2025, against Fabian Alaeih Valdez in the District Court of Harris County. The case revolves around the unfortunate events that led to the death of Emmanuel Delgado, Zuniga's son.
The complaint details an incident that occurred on August 21, 2023. Emmanuel Delgado, then only 16 years old, was driving his sister’s vehicle along Wallisville Road in Houston when tragedy struck. Fabian Alaeih Valdez, who was 18 at the time and one of the passengers in the car along with two other juveniles, allegedly began playing with a handgun inside the vehicle. According to Zuniga's petition, Valdez's reckless handling of the firearm resulted in it discharging and fatally wounding Delgado. The young victim did not die instantly but endured conscious pain and suffering before succumbing to his injuries.
Zuniga accuses Valdez of wrongful actions and negligence under Chapter 71 of the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code. The allegations include pointing a gun at Delgado, pulling the trigger while it was aimed at him, failing to ensure that the gun was unloaded, and recklessly handling a loaded weapon in a confined space with others present. These actions are cited as direct causes of Delgado's injuries and subsequent death.
In her pursuit of justice, Zuniga is seeking monetary relief exceeding $1 million for damages including past and future mental anguish, pain and suffering, pecuniary loss, loss of love and companionship, medical expenses related to her son's injuries prior to his death, funeral costs, and loss of inheritance. Additionally, she highlights that her son suffered immense physical pain and emotional distress before his passing due to Valdez's alleged negligence.
The plaintiff’s attorney Sylvester Anderson from Regency Square Tower is representing Sarina Zuniga in this case. As proceedings continue under Case ID 2025-24418 in front of Judge Marilyn Burgess at Harris County District Court No. 129th Judicial District Courtroom; all eyes are on how this heart-wrenching case will unfold.