HOUSTON, TX – A Marine veteran was shot and killed during a confrontation in a busy Houston mall parking garage, leaving his family and community in shock as authorities moved rapidly to apprehend the suspects.
Police say the shooting occurred on June 3 at the Galleria Mall, where Anthony Sanders, 30, was picking up his fiancée after her work shift. Sanders, a former Marine and father, was killed following a heated exchange, allegedly sparked by a disrespectful comment directed at his fiancée in an elevator.
According to court records, Sanders’ fiancée reported that a group of unfamiliar men, including Marko Cinan, 23, and Justin Joshua Guzman, 22, approached her and insulted her inside the elevator. Unsettled by the encounter, she got off on a different floor and informed Sanders, who was waiting for her with their child in the car.
Sanders then drove through the mall parking garage in search of the men, ultimately finding them and exchanging words. Both sides returned briefly to their vehicles, but tensions quickly escalated. Police allege that as the two vehicles left the parking area, the suspects’ car braked abruptly in front of Sanders, prompting both parties to exit their vehicles once again.
Authorities say Guzman threatened Sanders by tapping his bag and warning him not to get involved. Investigators allege that both Guzman and Cinan brandished firearms and opened fire, hitting Sanders multiple times. At least fourteen shots are believed to have been discharged during the incident.
Officers already stationed at the mall rushed to the scene as Sanders’ fiancée cried out for help. Sanders was transported to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Neither his fiancée nor their child were harmed in the shooting.
The suspects fled in a Chrysler sedan, but law enforcement apprehended them shortly after. Guzman allegedly had spent shell casings in his possession during the arrest, and the vehicle was marked by bullet holes, suggesting shots were fired as the suspects sped away.
Initially, investigators released the men while gathering evidence and witness statements. In subsequent interviews, both suspects argued they acted in self-defense, claiming Sanders threatened them with violence and was allegedly armed. However, police say no weapons were recovered from Sanders at the scene.
Sanders’ family, both parents military veterans, are calling for justice and greater attention to violence in the city, describing their loss as senseless and tragic.
Cinan was taken into custody on June 25, while Guzman surrendered to authorities several days later. Cinan’s bond was set at $1 million, with Guzman being held on a $750,000 bond. Both men face murder charges, with their next court appearance scheduled for this week.
A GoFundMe webpage has been established in Sanders’ memory, describing him as a dedicated father and honoring his service. The investigation remains ongoing as officials prepare for the court proceedings.