Family of Teen Killed in Shooting Searches for Answers

The family of a 16-year-old shot and killed outside his southeast Oklahoma City apartment is struggling for answers as to why their son was murdered.

Sunday, November 29th 2009, 7:11 pm

By: News 9


By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The family of a 16-year-old shot and killed outside his southeast Oklahoma City apartment is struggling for answers as to why their son was murdered.

Daniel Prieto was getting into his parent's truck Tuesday night to return some movies his family had rented when someone came up to the window and shot Daniel in the neck.

Daniel was taken to a local hospital but later died from his injuries.

"It don't make sense how it happened, him just going to my car to drive off to go return movies and didn't make it out the parking lot. Didn't get the chance to turn the ignition on. It don't make sense," said Tamara Prieto, Daniel's stepmother.

The teen's killer is still on the loose, but Daniel's family said they can't imagine why anyone would want to hurt him.

"I told my son respect everybody, everybody respect you. It's principal for me," said Manzano Prieto, Daniel's dad. "My son never do nothing bad, he no smoking, no drinking, no nothing."

His parents said the loss of their son has been completely devastating.

"I just want to go back to the hospital and get him. I mean there are no words that I can explain how much I want him back. I can't accept this happening," Tamara said.

And knowing that someone would kill their son right outside their apartment has Daniel's parents fearing for the rest of their children.

"I have five other kids plus my cousin. I don't want my kids going outside or to the door or the window because I'm scared some stupid person gonna shoot them," Tamara said. "People have to take people's lives for what reason, to make themselves feel better? Why would you kill that person when he never did anything to you?"

And while police continue to look for the person who shot Daniel, his family has been struggling to pay for funeral costs. They said they have even been going door to door in their neighborhood in an effort to help come up with the money.

Daniel's family has set up a fund to help with funeral costs at any First National Bank of Oklahoma.

Daniel's family hopes to bury their son on Tuesday.

Anyone with information about the shooting should call Oklahoma City Crime Stoppers at 405-235-7300. Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

More on News9.com: Police Investigate Deadly Del City Shooting

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