Family of Uvalde shooting victim weighs in on charges against former officers

UVALDE, Texas – Family members of Robb Elementary School victims have mixed feelings about a grand jury indicting officers involved in the response to the shooting that left 19 students and two teachers dead on May 24, 2022 .

Although they welcomed the beginnings of accountability, some – including Jesse Rizo – were surprised that only two people were charged.

RELATED: Arredondo, second former Uvalde school district cop charged in Robb Elementary School massacre

Rizo's niece, Jackie Cazares, died in the shooting. He is demanding justice, starting with the two police officers charged.

“I hope they take the right path, that they take responsibility, that they are honest and sincere, and that is the only thing that will bring healing to the families and the community,” Rizo said.

ABC News reports that former Uvalde CISD Police Chief Pete Arredondo was recently indicted on 10 counts of child endangerment. He was fired three months after the shooting and had been criticized for his decisions on May 24, 2022.

Arredondo was booked into the Uvalde County Jail Thursday night and released on bail hours later.

Adrian Gonzales, another UCISD police officer who resigned from the department last year, according to the Uvalde Leader-News, was also charged with child endangerment.

As of 6:30 a.m. Friday, Uvalde County Jail staff said Gonzales had not been arrested.

Rizo said the two indictments are a start on the path to justice.

“I think it's a very strong message, not only to the Uvalde community but to all law enforcement officers, that you can't hide behind immunity. There are what we call consequences; there’s something called accountability,” Rizo said.

ABC News reports the families are expected to meet with Uvalde County Prosecutor Christina Mitchell on Friday to discuss next steps.

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