MOREHEAD, KY — A profound sense of grief and disbelief has enveloped the close-knit community of Morehead and Rowan County following a tragic shooting on Sunday, July 20, 2025, that claimed the life of 15-year-old Luis Jocsan Nanez Lopez and left his 12-year-old sister, Naomi Agrical Nunez, seriously injured. The incident, which unfolded in the early morning hours at an apartment complex in the 400 block of West Sun Street, has left a family shattered and a community mourning the loss of a young life filled with promise.
Luis, a soon-to-be sophomore at Rowan County Senior High School, was remembered by his school as a “sweet student” who did his best each day and had a bright future ahead. According to court documents and police reports, Luis was fatally shot after courageously intervening to protect his mother, Aleida Lopez, from an alleged sexual assault by her boyfriend, 36-year-old Gildardo Martinez. The confrontation turned deadly, resulting in Luis’s death and injuries to his younger sister, who was transported to UK Hospital in Lexington for treatment. Her condition remains undisclosed.
**A Heroic Act Amid Horror
Court documents reveal chilling details of the incident. Morehead Police were patrolling the West Sun Street area around 2:30 a.m. when they heard gunshots. Upon investigation, they found Luis inside the home with a gunshot wound to the face, pronounced dead at the scene by the Rowan County Coroner. Three bullet holes were found in the door of the room where Luis was located, and a pistol cartridge was discovered nearby. Naomi, who approached officers shortly after, was also found to have been shot and was rushed for medical care.
According to the arrest citation, the incident began when Martinez, allegedly intoxicated, became aggressive after Aleida Lopez rejected his advances. She reported that Martinez bit her hand and armpit before the situation escalated, leading to the tragic shooting. Luis’s bravery in standing up for his mother has been described as heroic by authorities and community members alike. “It’s tragic this 15-year-old was trying to take up for his mom,” said Morehead Police Chief Derrick Blevins.
**A Suspect in Custody
Gildardo Martinez was apprehended hours after the shooting, found hiding in bushes near the scene. He has been charged with murder, first-degree assault, attempted rape, alcohol intoxication in a public place, second-degree fleeing or evading police, resisting arrest, and second-degree disorderly conduct. Martinez, who entered the United States illegally in 2021 according to the Department of Homeland Security, is being held at the Rowan County Detention Center on a $1 million bond with a federal immigration detainer. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday, July 28, 2025.
**A Community Rallies in Grief
The loss of Luis has left Rowan County Senior High School and the broader community reeling. School officials shared their heartbreak, noting that Luis was preparing to start his sophomore year and was known for his kindness and dedication. “Even though it is summertime, our office is open each day from 8:00 to 3:00 this week for anyone needing assistance,” the school posted on social media, offering support to students and staff.
Neighbors described the scene as chaotic, with police activity disrupting the typically quiet West Sun Street area. “I woke up to police saying ‘move, move, move’ and looked out the window,” said Don Williams, a resident of the same apartment complex. “You just never know… I’m hoping everyone comes together and helps this family because they’re going to need it.”
**Support Through DOVES of Gateway
DOVES of Gateway, a local domestic violence shelter, has stepped forward to support the Nunez family during this crisis. Executive Director Kelli Petronella emphasized the dangers of domestic violence, noting, “You never know when things are going to escalate and turn deadly.” The organization has established the Luis Nanez Lopez Memorial Fund to help cover funeral expenses for Luis and medical costs for Naomi. Donations can be sent to The Citizens Bank at 114 W. Main St., Morehead, KY 40351.
“This particular incident is just heartbreaking that we lost one of our very young children here in Morehead,” Petronella said, urging the community to rally around the family.
**Honoring Luis’s Legacy
Luis was a vibrant teen who loved soccer, video games, and spending time with his family. Teachers described him as gifted in math, with dreams of attending college to become an engineer. “He was the kind of student who made the room better just by being in it,” one educator shared. “He had a quiet strength and a natural kindness that touched everyone around him.”
A candlelight vigil is planned for Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Rowan County Senior High School’s football field, where the community will gather to honor Luis’s life and courage. The family has requested privacy as they navigate their grief but expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from neighbors, classmates, and strangers.
As Morehead mourns, the focus remains on seeking justice for Luis and supporting his family’s healing. The investigation continues, with police encouraging anyone with information to contact the Morehead Police Department at (606) 784-7511.
