SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Police say 16 year-old Joel Castillo was shot and killed in front of his home by another teen on Wednesday night.
Now Castillo's school and community is rallying behind his family during their time in need as they cope with another tragedy.
"There has been a hole left in each of our hearts, because of his passing," said Jesse Samudio, principal at Compass Rose Legacy High School.
Samudio remembers his student, Joel Castillo.
Police say Castillo was shot and killed by a 14-year-old after they got into an argument.
"He had a quiet presence that was very compassionate, and caring, and a deep love for his family," said Samudio.
Samudio says he taught Joel since the 7th grade, along with his siblings. Samudio says Joel was quiet, respectful to teachers, administrative staff and other students.
"When a tragedy like this happens, it is a shock to us. It is a shock to the school community, but it also reinforces like why we do what we do, why we give so much to our students, and why we love on them so much," said Samudio.
Thursday we spoke with Joel's father and brother, who were devastated by his passing and left to cope with another family tragedy.
"How do ya'll deal with this? How do ya'll not lose yourself? How do you have strength to take it day by day, and the next day, tomorrow, next week," said Ralph Castillo, Joel's Father.
In February, Joel's mother Sandra was killed in a car accident.
Recognizing the tragedies that the family has endured this year, Samudio wanted to help. So with the permission of the family, the school started a GoFundMe, which has raised more than $4,000 to give Joel a proper burial and memorial he deserves.
"We wanted to make sure that we were there to support them, and one of the ways that we did that was by establishing a GoFundMe for Joel and his family to help with the funeral memorial cost," he said.
If you would like to help the Castillo, you can find the GoFundMe by clicking here.