Houston, Texas – Two men, Marko Cinan, 23, and Justin Joshua Guzman, 22, have been charged with the murder of Anthony Sanders, a 30-year-old Marine veteran, who was shot and killed in a parking garage at the Galleria Mall in Houston on June 3.
The Events Leading to the Shooting
According to a probable cause affidavit, Sanders’ fiancée had just finished work and was leaving the mall when she entered an elevator with a group of men, including the defendants.
One of the men allegedly insulted her by calling her a “stupid ugly b—.” The fiancée ignored the comment, but after exiting the elevator, she told Sanders what had happened.
Sanders then drove around the parking garage with their child in the car to find the men.
After spotting them, Sanders confronted the group and had a brief verbal exchange with the suspects before both parties returned to their cars. However, as Sanders was exiting the garage, the defendants, who were in a Chrysler 300, allegedly brake-checked Sanders.
The Fatal Shooting
The situation escalated when Guzman allegedly tapped his bag and warned Sanders, “you don’t want to mess with me.” At that point, Guzman and Cinan reportedly drew their guns and began shooting at Sanders, firing at least 14 shots, according to the affidavit.
The suspects quickly fled the scene, but police and paramedics arrived shortly afterward.
Sanders’ fiancée was screaming for help, and paramedics rushed Sanders to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Fortunately, Sanders’ fiancée and their child were not harmed.
The Investigation and Arrest
The suspects, Guzman and Cinan, sped away after the shooting, but were apprehended shortly thereafter. Upon their arrest, detectives noticed that several spent cartridges had fallen off Guzman’s lap as he exited the vehicle.
The Chrysler 300 was found to have several bullet holes, indicating that the suspects continued shooting while driving away.
Initially, Guzman and Cinan were allowed to leave as the investigation was still in its early stages. However, during subsequent questioning, they allegedly claimed the shooting was in self-defense.
Guzman told detectives that Sanders had followed them out of the parking garage and began threatening them. He claimed Sanders had a gun and a knife, but investigators found no weapons on the victim.
Read Also: Kouri Richins, Grief Book Author Accused of Murder, Hit with 26 New Charges
Community Reaction
Anthony Sanders’ father, Frank Sanders, expressed his anger and grief at the situation, saying, “We’re here for justice, justice for Anthony and also to stand for what he stood for as a person, and also to bring awareness to what’s going on in today’s society here in Houston. This was uncalled for.”
A GoFundMe page set up in memory of Sanders describes him as a “devoted father.”
The Arrests and Legal Proceedings
Cinan was arrested on June 25, while Guzman turned himself in on Monday. Cinan’s bond has been set at $1 million, while Guzman’s bond is set at $750,000. The two men are scheduled for their next court hearing on Wednesday.
What are your thoughts on the escalating violence in public spaces? How can we work together as a community to prevent similar incidents in the future? Share your opinions in the comments below. For more updates on this case and others, visit ridgecrestpact.org.
