A Statement from the Family of Robert "Jaden" Urrea:

November 3, 2020

We, Dr. Robert Urrea and Patricia Urrea, are very saddened to confirm that our son Jaden was the victim of a fatal shooting early on the morning of October 31st in Dallas. Jaden was a sophomore at SMU where he transferred this year. On Friday night, Jaden joined other students at a Halloween party at a venue in downtown Dallas. After the party, Jaden spoke briefly with family on his phone and was arranging for a ride share back to campus. As he walked from the venue, video surveillance captured the very difficult next few moments. Two individuals in a white sedan are recorded driving recklessly with headlights off, running a red light. At one point the sedan pulls over just past an intersection where Jaden is crossing. As Jaden passes behind the car, video shows some communication that captures his attention. As Jaden turns toward the car, he was maliciously shot in the chest at close range. We strongly believe this was a drive-by shooting, unprovoked, committed by complete strangers. A witness called 911, but our son was pronounced dead at the scene. The murderers are still at large, and our family is working closely with the Dallas Police Department to bring them to justice, and more urgently prevent them from hurting others. Our family is working with Crime Stoppers to offer a substantial reward for information that leads to the indictment of the responsible individuals. Jaden had found a home at SMU and was thriving. Our family saw him blossoming as a student, maturing, and pursuing his passion in law and music. Jaden was a proud El Paso native and a graduate of Coronado High School. He had so much to offer this world and was taken away too soon. We are comforted to know he is in the hands of the Lord. Our faith and your prayers will carry us through this difficult time. The Urrea family thanks the communities of El Paso and Dallas for the outpouring of support and prayer, and requests privacy at this time.