SAN MARCOS, Texas – More than two months after a Texas State student was shot during a robbery attempt, his family is speaking out about their frustration over the investigation.
Justin Gage, 20, was shot in the early hours of Dec. 6 while visiting a friend at The Retreat apartment complex. Gage died later that day at an Austin hospital, and police said he was in the wrong place at the wrong time after being followed by three men wearing hoodies and masks.
“Justin was just loving. He cared for everybody. You could go to Justin about anything and he would try to help you,” said Justin’s brother Donavan Gage in his Cibolo home.
Donavan said he spoke to Justin earlier that night before he went to a party. Around 3:30 a.m. Dec. 6, police said Gage and a friend were the victims of an attempted robbery. Police suspect the robbers were attempting to commit a robbery or buy drugs, but stress that they believe Justin had anything to do with them.
“That's why it's so shocking to us that something like this happened to him. Because it was literally just wrong place, wrong time. Never had any legal issues, never had any trouble with the law,” Donavan said.
Justin was shot when a struggle broke out over a weapon. More than two months later, police and Justin’s family are frustrated over the lack of information.
“I feel like there should be some type of justice that's being done right now. It's still two months later and we still have no answers. What happened to my brother is totally a mystery,” said Donavon.
“This one with Mr. Gage is one that is taking quite a bit of resources, and certainly we're looking for a lot more help from the community from people who might know something to come forward,” said San Marcos Assistant Police Chief Bob Klett.
Donavon said a break in the case would help give his family closure. Donavon’s 1-year-old son Mason still holds pictures of his uncle.
Justin’s mother told KVUE’s Michael Perchick it is still too difficult for her to discuss the case or allow cameras into his room.
His family is collection donations through GoFundMe to put up as reward money for any information leading to an arrest in the case. As of Feb. 18, the family has raised around $4,000. Go here for more information and to donate.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call the San Marcos Police Department.