by Castroville, TX – Michael Duarte, a popular barbecue influencer known for his “Food with Beat hands” content, was fatally shot by a Texas sheriff’s deputy after lunging at her with a knife during an altercation in Castroville on Saturday.
The 39-year-old social media star, who had amassed over 2.1 million followers, had reportedly threatened to kill the deputy and was armed with a knife when responding officers arrived following a disturbance call in Medina County.
The Incident Leading to the Tragic Shooting
Castroville police and a Medina County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a 911 call at 11:30 a.m. CST regarding a man causing a disturbance with a knife. According to reports, Duarte repeatedly threatened to “kill everyone.” The deputy ordered Duarte multiple times to lie on the ground, but he instead yelled, “I’m going to kill you,” and lunged at the officer with the knife.
“The deputy then shot him twice to protect herself and others,” officials confirmed. Duarte was transported to University Hospital in San Antonio, where he was pronounced dead.
- Location: Castroville, TX, population approximately 3,200, part of the Greater San Antonio Area.
- Event: Duarte was attending the Texas Open Fire Meat Up festival in nearby Hondo.
- Background: Prominent food influencer with over 2.1 million social media followers.
Remembering Michael Duarte
His talent agency, Alooma Media Group, described him as a devoted family man and friend:
“His warmth, kindness and generosity were felt in every interaction, and he had a way of making everyone around him feel valued and inspired.”
Duarte had recently celebrated his ninth wedding anniversary with his wife Jessica and was a loving father to their daughter.
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Community and Law Enforcement Response
Officials emphasized the dangerous nature of the encounter and the deputy’s protective actions. The shooting highlights the risks law enforcement faces and the tragic outcomes that can result from violent incidents.
For more detailed information, visit the original report on UPI.com.
What Comes Next?
As the community of Castroville mourns the loss of a well-known food influencer, questions remain about the circumstances leading to the incident. Authorities are likely to conduct further investigations into the events of the day.
Key Takeaways:
- Always heed law enforcement instructions during critical incidents.
- The unpredictability of such confrontations underscores the importance of officer training and public safety measures.
- Michael Duarte’s legacy as a content creator and family man will be remembered dearly by his followers and loved ones.
What do you think about this tragic event? Share your thoughts and condolences in the comments below.
