• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

2 sisters, in 2nd grade and 4th grade, among dead in mall shooting

1:16
What we know about victims of Texas strip mall shooting
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
ByJulia Jacobo, Emily Shapiro, and Ivan Pereira
May 09, 2023, 7:38 PM

Eight victims were killed when a gunman opened fire on shoppers at the Allen Premium Outlets in Allen, Texas, on Saturday.

Here is what we know about the lives lost:

Kyu Song Cho, Cindy Cho and James Cho

Kyu Song Cho, 37, and his wife Cindy Cho, 35, who lived in Dallas, were among those killed, officials said.

Kyu Song Cho and Cindy Cho in a photo posted to Facebook.
Kyu Cho/Facebook

Their 3-year-old son, James Cho, also died.

"He usually wore elephant bibs and shirts," his day care teacher told Dallas ABC affiliate WFAA. "He loved elephants."

James, 3, (R), was identified as one of the victims of the Allen, Texas, mass shooting. His brother, William 6, (L) survived.
Kyu Cho/Facebook

Elio Cumana-Rivas

Elio Cumana-Rivas, 32, lived in Dallas, according to investigators.

Elio Cumana-Rivas
Courtesy Gregory Smith Cumana

Cumana-Rivas, a native of Venezuela, was the fifth of six brothers, said one of his older brothers, Gregory Smith Cumana. He called Cumana-Rivas a hard worker who moved to the U.S. "in search of the American dream."

"Even if he was angry, he always had that smile and his way of making you see that even if there were problems, you had to keep going," he said.

Christian LaCour

Christian LaCour, 20, an on-duty security guard at the outlet mall, also died in the shooting, his sister, Brianna Smith, confirmed to ABC News.

Christian LaCour
Courtesy of Brianna Smith

Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey on Tuesday commended LaCour, who he said evacuated someone to safety and then was shot while "courageously remaining to help others."

"He was a really sweet kid," Smith said. "I'm sad that he's gone."

His mother, Tracye LaCour, asked for privacy, telling ABC News they are praying for the families of the other victims.

Related Articles

MORE: Texas mall shooting updates: 'I knew she was gone,' shooting witness says

Daniela Mendoza and Sofia Mendoza

Daniela Mendoza, a fourth grader, and sister Sofia Mendoza, a second grader, were both killed in the shooting, Wylie Independent School District Superintendent David Vinson said in a statement.

The Texas Department of Public Safety didn't identify the girls by their names but did say two girls, ages 8 and 11, were among those killed.

"Daniela and Sofia were the kindest, most thoughtful students with smiles that could light up any room," their principal, Krista Wilson, said in a statement. "Our hearts are broken and words cannot express how deeply they will be missed."

Daniela and Sofia's mom, Ilda, is in critical condition from the shooting, Vinson said.

Related Articles

MORE: There have been more mass shootings than days in 2023, database shows

"Words cannot express the sadness we feel as we grieve the loss of our students. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mendoza family, the families of the victims, and all those affected by this senseless tragedy," Vinson said.

"We are not announcing the news to students, as we want our parents to be able to have those conversations," Vinson added. "Every school's counseling team is equipped to support those who may be struggling, so please do not hesitate to reach out."

Aishwarya Thatikonda

Aishwarya Thatikonda
Courtesy family of Aishwarya Thatikonda

Aishwarya Thatikonda, 26, an engineer who lived in McKinney, Texas, was also among the victims, Dallas ABC affiliate WFAA reported.

She was at the mall with a friend, who was injured and hospitalized, a family representative told WFAA

Thatikonda's family plans to have her body sent to India, where her relatives are located, WFAA reported.

ABC News' Miles Cohen, Peter Charalambous and Alyssa Pone contributed to this report.

Up Next in News—

Gas station clerk speaks out after foiling alleged kidnapping

April 15, 2026

Oklahoma high school principal takes down would-be shooter, hailed as hero

April 15, 2026

Family seeks answers after influencer Ashlee Jenae is found dead on vacation in Tanzania

April 15, 2026

Couple shares warning after nearly losing down payment in mortgage fraud

April 10, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News