A Dallas mother is pleading for answers and justice four months after her teenage daughter was killed by gunfire at a local park. The grief-stricken family is still waiting for someone to come forward with information, as police say dozens of people were present the night the shooting happened but not one has provided details that could help solve the case.

Seventeen-year-old Angelyn Nino Herrera was spending time with friends at Overlook Park, near Commerce and Beckley, on March 23 when a fight broke out among others at the location. Tensions escalated, and soon multiple guns were drawn and shots rang out. Despite a crowd of more than fifty people, the only person struck by the gunfire was Angelyn. She was not involved in the fight and became an innocent victim of a violent altercation.

Angelyn was a student at Hillcrest High School, described by her family as bright, friendly, and dedicated. Her mother, Marcela Nino Herrera, shared that her daughter had a perfectionist nature, loved people deeply, and often made an effort to befriend and support those around her. Losing her has left an unimaginable void, especially as Angelyn was Marcela’s youngest child and the one she describes as having helped her grow in life.

On Monday night, Marcela walked through Restland Cemetery, visiting the place where her daughter rests. She refers to herself as a “cemetery mom,” saying that she keeps supplies in her car for her regular visits. Each time she comes, she feels the connection with her daughter and reflects on the many ways Angelyn still sends her signs. One of those signs, she says, is the presence of butterflies, which appear frequently when she asks for comfort. Recently, on her birthday, Marcela was surrounded by butterflies at the park, which she took as her daughter’s way of staying close.

The timing of the tragedy has made birthdays especially painful. Just one day separates mother and daughter’s birthdays. In past years, the family celebrated Angelyn’s birthday first, followed by Marcela’s the next week. Now, those days serve as heartbreaking reminders of what has been lost, with Marcela left to navigate them alone.

Even while carrying the weight of grief, Marcela has begun to reach out to other parents who have endured similar losses. She says that while it is still difficult for her to process her own pain, she hopes to offer comfort and solidarity to those who are walking the same path. She emphasizes that no parent should feel alone in such circumstances and that supporting one another helps ease the burden.

The investigation remains unresolved. Detective Joshua Romero, who spoke soon after the shooting, noted how surprising it was that only one person was hit given the amount of gunfire. Despite that, the case has been hampered by silence. Not one of the many people at the park has stepped forward to provide critical information, leaving the family waiting for justice.

Marcela continues to hope that someone will break that silence. She is urging anyone with knowledge, no matter how small, to contact investigators. She stresses that doing so is not only about her daughter but about preventing future tragedies. She points out that anyone’s child, friend, or loved one could be the next victim if violence like this continues unchecked. She appeals for compassion and courage, asking potential witnesses to remember that speaking out could save another family from the same heartache.

As the family marks four months since Angelyn’s death, their message is clear: they want closure, answers, and accountability. They want their daughter remembered not only for the tragedy of her death but also for the light she brought into people’s lives. Until then, Marcela will continue to honor Angelyn’s memory through her visits, her conversations with other grieving parents, and her determined search for justice.

Anyone with information is urged to reach out to the Dallas Police Department. Tips can remain anonymous, ensuring that those who know the truth can step forward without fear. Marcela’s words echo a plea that resonates beyond one family: help us bring justice, because tomorrow it could be someone else’s child.