A Texas teen was shot and killed less than 24 hours after he marked one of the most important milestones in a young person’s life. 

Andrew Farias, 18, was tragically killed on May 25 at around 1:00am after a fight between two girls escalated into a shootout in Uhland. 

Farias had graduated from San Marcos High School on May 23 and attended a graduation party the following day. 

‘I just saw him graduate online. It was such a proud moment for all of us, my whole family was there cheering for him as he walked across the stage. We were all so happy for him,’ shared Lorenzo Martinez, a close friend of the teenager.

‘He had big plans for his future, he wanted to further his education, earn his degree, and make a successful life for himself. It’s heartbreaking that he won’t have the opportunity to fulfill those dreams now.’

According to court documents from Fox 7, the tragic incident unfolded around 1:00 am when the homeowner, who was revealed to be Farias’ aunt, requested that the attendees vacate the premises following a confrontation that escalated into a physical altercation involving two girls.

A witness said the girls began to argue because a group were ‘making faces’ and talking about other girls at the party. 

Farias’s aunt tried to break up the altercation before one party-goer, later identified as 18-year-old Chad Lee-Gardner, ‘jumped in’ and struck her on the head with a handgun. 

Andrew Farias, 18, was tragically killed on May 25 at around 1:00am after a fight between two girls escalated into a shootout in Uhland 

The shooter fled the scene before police arrived, but within 24 hours, Chad Lee-Gardner was arrested in Austin and charged with murder

‘He was a light in our lives – always smiling, full of love, compassion, and kindness. His presence brought warmth to everyone around him, and his absence leaves a hole in our hearts that can never be filled,’ a GoFundMe said

Farias then tried to intervene before Lee-Gardner allegedly fired two shots, striking Farias at least once, Law & Crime reported. 

‘Me seeing him fall to the ground was the hardest thing,’ Mariana De Luna, Farias’s girlfriend, told KEYE. 

‘The last thing he did was grab my fingers. I’m glad her knew I was with him till the very end.’ 

The shooter fled the scene before police arrived, but within 24 hours, Lee-Gardner was arrested in Austin and charged with murder.  

The incident was reportedly recorded by at least one partygoer which allegedly shows Lee-Gardner as the shooter.  

Farias’s mother, Shannon Vasquez, told CBS News through tears: ‘My Andrew, that was my baby. He had the biggest smile. He was such a loving, responsible, and hardworking baby.’

Farias had plans to attend Texas State University in the fall to study construction engineering. 

The teen also played for the San Marcos High School Rattlers football team. His final jersey number, black 13, was officially retired during a vigil on Tuesday, CBS reported. 

‘Me seeing him fall to the ground was the hardest thing,’ Mariana De Luna (pictured), Farias’s girlfriend, said. ‘The last thing he did was grab my fingers. I’m glad her knew I was with him till the very end’

‘I had just, you know, watched him walk the stage online. You know, it was everybody – my whole family – we cheered for him when he walked the stage. We were so proud of him,’ said Lorenzo Martinez

‘That black 13 was the last jersey Andrew wore,’ said Coach Carroll. ‘And he will be the last to wear it.’

A GoFundMe said Farias was a ‘cherished son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend.’

‘He was a light in our lives – always smiling, full of love, compassion, and kindness. His presence brought warmth to everyone around him, and his absence leaves a hole in our hearts that can never be filled.’ 

Vasquez said in a statement to KVUE: ‘No words can describe this pain I’m feeling. I lost my best friend. I love all my children but Andrew held a special place in my heart. Everyone knew us, knew he was nothing more than a momma’s boy. 

‘My baby boy was the light of the room. He was always so positive and a drama-free kid. He avoided any confrontation. He had so many dreams ahead of him and always said, “Momma, I’m going to get us out the hood. I’m going to make you so proud Momma.” He was an amazing big and little brother. He loved his siblings and his stepdad. 

‘Everyone knew him for his big smile. He smiled at everyone and everything. He was a busy body and just wanted to enjoy life.’

Martinez said Farias was ‘the light that everybody needed in this dark world.’

‘And, unfortunately, God thought it was his time. But we all know that it wasn’t,’ Martinez added. ‘He had so much potential and it was taken by a random act of violence.’ 

Farias’s mother Shannon Vasquez (pictured left) said: ‘No words can describe this pain I’m feeling. I lost my best friend. I love all my children but Andrew held a special place in my heart. Everyone knew us, knew he was nothing more than a momma’s boy’

‘That black 13 was the last jersey Andrew wore,’ said Coach Carroll. ‘And he will be the last to wear it’

Uhland Police said the investigation remains ongoing, and Lee-Gardner was booked in the Travis County Jail. 

Vasquez told CBS: ‘He doesn’t deserve to get the death penalty and get put away form his misery, but I do want him to think about what he’s done. 

‘My son did not deserve this.’