Marion, Indiana – April 22, 2025 — A deep sense of grief hangs over the Marion community following the tragic loss of 17-year-old Julio Matamoros, affectionately known to many as “Lio.” The promising high school student and talented athlete was fatally shot on Monday, April 21, during a meeting that turned violent—an incident that has stunned friends, family, and neighbors alike.
According to preliminary reports, Julio had arranged to meet with someone near the 1700 block of West 10th Street—a location not far from his home. The details surrounding the motive and circumstances remain under investigation by the Marion Police Department, but officials confirmed that a verbal dispute escalated into gunfire. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after 6:30 p.m., where they found Julio with critical gunshot wounds. Despite the best efforts of first responders and medical personnel, Julio succumbed to his injuries at Marion General Hospital later that evening.
Julio Matamoros was more than just a student—he was a bright light in his school and community. A junior at Marion High School, he was well-known for his infectious smile, unwavering kindness, and boundless energy on and off the field. A rising star on the school’s soccer team, Julio had aspirations to play at the collegiate level and dreamed of one day becoming a coach to inspire the next generation of athletes. Friends recall his fierce determination, his loyalty, and his uncanny ability to lift others up even on their hardest days.
“He was the kind of kid who made everyone feel like they mattered,” said Coach Terrence Williams, who had mentored Julio since his freshman year. “Whether he was scoring goals or staying after practice to help a teammate improve, Lio always gave 110%. He was a leader without ever having to say he was one.”
The community’s response has been one of profound sorrow, but also unity. In the hours following the news, a vigil was organized outside the high school. Hundreds gathered to light candles, lay flowers, and share stories of how Julio touched their lives. Many wore jerseys bearing his number—#7—while others carried handmade posters and signs reading, “Justice for Lio” and “Gone But Never Forgotten.”
Grief counselors have been made available at Marion High School as students and staff cope with the sudden loss. Principal Dana Rivers described Julio as a “pillar of positivity and potential,” and emphasized the school’s commitment to supporting the emotional needs of its students during this difficult time.
City leaders, too, have weighed in, calling the tragedy a stark reminder of the senseless violence that continues to claim young lives. Mayor Angela Simms issued a statement late Tuesday morning expressing her condolences and pledging the city’s full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
“Our hearts break for Julio’s family and everyone who knew and loved him,” Mayor Simms wrote. “We must come together not only in grief, but in action—to ensure that our youth are safe, supported, and given every opportunity to thrive. We owe that to Julio’s memory.”
The Marion Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the department’s hotline or via the Crime Stoppers network.
As the community mourns, many are also looking to honor Julio’s legacy in more lasting ways. Several local organizations have expressed interest in establishing a scholarship in his name to support student-athletes pursuing higher education. Others are calling for youth mentorship programs to be expanded, with hopes of fostering safer environments and stronger support systems.
In the meantime, the pain of his absence is raw and real.
“He was my best friend,” said Miguel Torres, a fellow junior and teammate. “We had dreams. We were going to make it out together. Now it’s just me. But I promise, I’ll play every game for him.”
Julio “Lio” Matamoros leaves behind a grieving family, a proud community, and a legacy of love, ambition, and resilience. In a world often defined by headlines of tragedy, those who knew him will remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way he lived—with heart, with hope, and with an unwavering drive to be his best.
His light, though gone, continues to shine through the lives he touched.
Leave a Reply