On the night of August 2, 2025, a house party in Corpus Christi turned into a nightmare for 16-year-old Jaden Lopez, a hardworking West Oso High School athlete.
What started as a celebration for the Veterans Memorial High School cheer squad spiraled into chaos when gunfire erupted, leaving Jaden shot in the foot while shielding his girlfriend.
Now, as he faces a challenging recovery, Jaden and his single mother, Jessica Briseno, are grappling with the physical, emotional, and financial toll of this traumatic event.
A Night That Changed Everything
The party, held on the 7800 block of Beauvais Drive, was meant to be a small gathering for the cheer squad and close friends.
But as the night went on, students from schools across the city showed up, and the atmosphere grew tense.
Around 11:45 p.m., Jaden heard what he thought was glass shattering.
Curious, he glanced across the pool area and froze at the sight of muzzle flashes from a gun. Panic set in.
Grabbing his girlfriend’s hand, Jaden tried to flee, but a bullet struck his foot, sending him crashing to the ground.
In the chaos, an adult at the party scooped Jaden up and carried him to his girlfriend’s car.
She sped him to Spohn South Hospital on Spohn Drive, near Staples and Saratoga.
From there, Jaden was transferred to the trauma unit at Spohn Shoreline, where surgeons worked to remove the bullet.
The incident left both Jaden and his mother traumatized, as they faced the reality of his injuries and an uncertain future.
An A-honor Roll Student at West Oso HS, He Balances Academics with His Passion for Sports and Music
He’s a standout in track and baseball, a dedicated drummer in the school band, and a regular at church and the gym.
“He’s an A-honor roll student. He was just a bystander. He works. He goes to church and the gym. That’s all he does. He’s a good kid,”
Via kristv
Social media rumors have added to the family’s pain, with some falsely linking Jaden to the incident or the other victim, a 19-year-old who was critically injured but stable.
A Mother’s Love and a Community’s Support
As Jaden prepares for his senior year and his upcoming 17th birthday, the road ahead is daunting.
The injury threatens his ability to run track, play baseball, or even march with the West Oso band.
Jessica shared
“He’s worried about not being able to run track or play basketball this school year. He’s afraid he won’t be able to play drums with the (West Oso) band. He’s grateful but depressed,”
Via kristv
For Jessica, a single mother, the emotional weight is increased by financial pressure.
She’s taken time off work to care for Jaden, who needs help with daily tasks as he begins physical therapy and counseling.
With no paid time off to cover her absence, and the added costs of doctor’s appointments, senior-year expenses, and Jaden’s birthday, Jessica was initially hesitant to ask for help.
But at the urging of friends and community members, she set up a GoFundMe page on Monday, August 4, with a modest goal of $2,600.
In her heartfelt GoFundMe post, Jessica wrote:
“I take pride in taking care of Jaden by myself, but I’m stressed out. I’ve received so many messages from people wanting to help with dinner, gas, or anything we need. To those who’ve already sent donations via Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal—God bless you. We’re forever grateful for this community.”
Via GOFundme
The response from the Corpus Christi community has been overwhelming.
Friends, neighbors, and even strangers have shared Jaden’s story, sent prayers, and contributed to the fundraiser.
Meanwhile, police are investigating the shooting, and the homeowners hosting the party have been cited for providing alcohol to minors.
The second victim, a 19-year-old, remains in critical but stable condition.
Authorities have not released further details about the shooter or the motive, leaving the community on edge.
For those wishing to support Jaden and Jessica, contributions can be made through the GoFundMe page, and every prayer, share, or kind word makes a difference.
