A labrador named Zero tragically passed away after heroically defending his family against an active shooter.
On March 10, a gunman opened fire at the Houston, Texas home of Laura Martinez during her daughter’s birthday party. Zero attacked the intruder as he shot at Martinez and her children. Zero was hit by a bullet during the altercation and later died from his injuries.
A family friend named Javian Castaneda was identified as the suspected shooter. The family also suspects he was involved in an earlier jewelry and cash robbery from their home. Castaneda is currently in hiding and is considered armed and dangerous.
After the initial burglary, which occurred a few days prior to the shooting, Martinez confronted 17-year-old Castaneda’s parents with her suspicions of their son’s involvement.
The next day, Castaneda showed up at the birthday party and began arguing with the family. When Martinez asked him to leave, Castaneda hit her in the face. Martinez’s son tried to defend his mother by fighting Castenada, who pulled out a gun and began shooting, ultimately firing at least nine rounds at the family, their house, and Zero.
Valori Pace, Martinez’s daughter, described the terrifying moment she was shot: “I went to go turn to run and I just feel instant pressure in my lower back. Put my hand back there and I realize there was blood all over my hands.”
Three years ago, the Martinez family found Zero on the side of a road. He suffered from mange, a skin disease caused by parasitic mites, and a broken ankle. Initially, the vet thought he wouldn’t survive. They ignored advice to put Zero down and gave him another chance at life. Little did they know, he would eventually do the same for them.
After Zero was shot, his family made the difficult decision to put him to sleep to avoid putting the dog through additional and unnecessary suffering.
The family remembers their beloved labrador as “Zero the Hero” as they mourn his passing.
This brings me to tears…what is happening in this world where so many animals are killed and abused by humans and stupidity.
The laws need to be much tougher when animals are abused, killed, neglected, tortured by those who call themselves HUMANS….
It should be a felony!
This is exactly why we need stronger gun laws!!
Love you Zero ! I am glad you found a wonderful family that love you when they found you all broken and hurt. You saved that family and they saved you with Love. Prayers for the family !
I am so sorry for your loss. RIP brave and loving Zero the Hero.
Bravo Zero, you are a true hero and a brave little soul. I wouldn’t expect anything less from you. Now you’re watching over them from above. But please Martinez family naming him Zero, are you kidding???? where I come from, that’s a name for a loser. Please if you get another dog please think of a better name than Zero.
Please put this horrible man in jail for a very long time! He deserves it.
what brave dog sorry for your loss
Justice should apply as if this awful person shot a human being.
RIP Zero
A hero indeed.
very sad what happened to the family and the dog! 😥
Of course, the police want to have nothing to do with catching the perpetrator because (1) he “only” killed a dog, and (2) the other victims he pursued were female. Eye for an eye is what this bastard needs. That goes for the police and prosecutor who fail to do their jobs.
S/S
This dog is a saint.
Pets are our lives and this beautiful Labrador died protecting his family, such heartbreaking news, and ZERO you are my hero. The guns laws in America must change!
Another coward who resorts to violence. On the other hand, what a brave dog Zero was! So sorry for your loss, Martinez family & hope your daughter recovers quickly.
I’m extremely saddened for the loss of your beautiful boy Zero!! I pray you get comfort in such a hard time. That guy is a coward for what he’s done!! Rest in paradise Zero 🐶❤🐾
So sad, but he was a hero. I hope they catch the shooter and bring him to justice. I hope the daughter is going to be ok.
This shows what a throwaway dog can do. I’m sure he will be surely missed by family.
He loved his family, and gave his life for them. Few humans would do as much. RIP dear Zero.
Loser! Robs the family and shoots their dog, who is a friendly looking bear type.
Extra prison with Bears history.
Kill the POS.
I agree!
ZERO the HERO for sure!He is at Rainbow Bridge now blessed by the Lord & waiting for his family! Proof, once again, that animals do have feelings, intelligence, love, thankfulness. Zero was so thankful that the Martinez family found him, stood by him & gave him a 2nd chance at life that he laid down that life just 3 yrs later to save his beloved family! I know the Martinez family is greatly mourning the wonderful, loving companion who gave his life to save his family. It is written “Blessed be he that shall lay down their life for a friend”. I don’t believe that was only written for humans. Godspeed ZERO R.I.P. *note* Zero will still be watching over you. “Be still and know” also written but I have to believe. Be still and know that Zero is close by!
😩💔 RIP sweet, brave Zero. 🌈🙏🏻
THERE IS NOTHING PEACEFUL AND FAMILY FRIENDLY ABOUT ANIMAL TORTURE, CRUELTY, AND ABUSE! LET IT RIP! FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT OF FREE SPEECH!
Poor Zero ! I am happy he had a wonderful family that adopted him.
A dog will always protect his owner! R.I.P Zero.
If this POS is ever found just him dead no questions asked. R.I.P Zero 🐶🐕🐾❤❤❤
RIP IN PEACE, GOOD & FAITFUL SERVANT AND FRIEND.
Poor doggie died defending his family!! The person who did this should be punished to the fullest extent of the law!!
Javian Castaneda is guilty of attempted murder, shooting Valori Pace, and the MURDER of Zero.. I’m certain there’s other charges here. too.
Of course the spineless half-a-sissy POS ran – talks all about respect, then can’t stand up like a man. Gutless.
Totally lacking pelotas. A non-man. Zero has more conjones. I hope somehow the scumbag reads this..
And police – are you waiting for Javian Castaneda to kill again? Go find him!!!
Thank you, Zero, for giving your all to protect your family. R.I.P. 💔🐕 🌈 Sweet Zero
They have the death penalty in Texas. Hopefully he gets it
Well done Zero the Hero. You are now in the hands of the Lord enjoy your journey
in the heavens and play all day with your friends and siblings.
I hope he got a honorable rest in peace grave or cremation not sent to the shelter
for them to discard of the body.
Salute to Zulu!
You are a real hero, Zero. You are so brave. Get this coward, Castaneda, and lock him up.
….and of course ‘law enforcement’ ‘can’t find him’.
And when they do, a hand slap for shooting a dog.
You have to live as if law enforcement doesn’t exist.
We have tracked down and punished numerous animal and child abusers.
Where is Jon Pyle from FL?
We found him in Costa Rica recently.
He’ll never hurt a child again.
Thank you incompetent Florida ‘law enforcement’ for being so incompetent that they allowed him to escape.
Oh, and good luck in stopping what we do.
Go back to eating donuts, we are doing your job just fine.
One might question the authenticity of this comment. There are indeed former special ops soldiers (and others) out there with active Class 3 firearms licenses that put down savages like Castenada and Pyle. A friend of mine, (now deceased) used to be one such person. His skill set not only included the ability to reach out and touch targets at great distance with the appropriate caliber, but also through close-in knife work…silently. Nice to know you’re out there, brother. Good hunting.
What a hero!
Humans, at least some of them are more horrendous than animals. Animals are man’s best friends , particularly dogs. I know of cats who have also saved their human masters.I notice that under Trump Americans are becoming more and more inhuman and murderous each day.
Exactly!! My thoughts 100 percent! The laws are pathetic and the cops aren’t much better. Nobody seems to take animal cruelty seriously. We have to change this!
Prosecute as murder, then sentence him to life in prison with no parole.
Police know his name- JAVIAN CASTANEDA. Find him!!! He’s a loose cannon. Justice for the family and their beloved dog.
Agreed – justice for the family and Zero the hero. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for the family that loved him. May he rest in peace. I weep for blessed Zero and his family as I write. The love of a dog knows no bounds.
Agree. RIP Zero the Hero.