The Brief

A 35-year-old man was shot and killed by a relative at a family baptism celebration in Balch Springs.

The suspect, a 19-year-old man, was detained at the scene and admitted to the shooting, claiming self-defense.

The shooting reportedly occurred after the victim confronted the suspect about firing a handgun earlier in the evening.

BALCH SPRINGS, Texas - A family gathering celebrating a baptism turned deadly in Balch Springs when a man was shot and killed during a fight with a relative, police said.

Deadly baptism celebration

What we know:

Cristian Gabriel Montes, 35, was found with apparent gunshot wounds at a home in the 3900 block of Peachtree Road shortly after 12:26 a.m., on July 27, 2025, according to the Balch Springs Police Department.

Officers arrested Leonardo

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