Wedding party ruined by gunmen shooting groom during attempted robbery

ST. LOUIS – A night of celebration in Dutchtown quickly turned into tragedy when gunmen destroyed a decade-long relationship between a newly married couple.

The union of Manuel and Dulce Gonzalez began in a beautiful, happy and loving way. So much so that the intimate party in the 3800 block of Neosho Street lasted late into the night for this close-knit family.

Shortly before 1 a.m. Saturday, two armed, masked men entered the party through the fence of the common driveway of the bride and her sister. The incident happened within 30 seconds: the suspects shouted for no one to move, demanded money from party guests in the backyard, then brandished guns and fired multiple shots in the groom's head.

The two suspects fled on foot without taking any family items or money.

“They took nothing, and yet they took everything from us,” said Yaribeth Pena, the bride’s sister.

The 32-year-old groom was rushed to hospital, where he is in critical condition.

“He’s a good father. A good husband for my sister. He’s a hard worker,” Pena said. “He's just an overall good person, but I don't know if he didn't deserve that.” »

As of Sunday afternoon, the family said police detectives had not yet collected all the evidence left at the scene and had not interviewed all the witnesses.

The family is pleading with anyone in the community who may have images of the traveling gunmen to speak to authorities.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and encourage anyone with information to call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS.

The family is also incredibly touched by the compassion, support and help they received from the community so quickly and are grateful for the outpouring of love during this time. A family friend created a GoFundMe to raise money for the bride's family.