An 18-year-old has been charged with attempted murder after a 17-year-old student and baseball player from Mississinewa High School was shot during a marijuana vape cartridge sale.
The teen was taken to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne in critical condition, but later passed away from his injuries on 20 April.
Lio Matamoros was a talented second baseman for Mississinewa High School’s varsity baseball team in Gas City, Indiana.
The shooting took place around 6:50 p.m. on 21 April near the intersection of State Road 15/South Western Avenue and West 17th Street in Marion.
Police say the suspect, identified as Cordel Bice, fled the scene in a white Pontiac.
Officers later found the vehicle and discovered the gun believed to have been used in the shooting tossed in a trash can near 11th and Boots streets.
With help from the public, investigators located Bice at a residence in the Woodlands Manufactured Home Community, just off West 16th Street.
Family And Friends Mourn The Loss Of Lio Matamoros
Lio is survived by his loving parents, Corinne Rose (biological mother) and Julious Alberto, with his partner Janna Matamoros.
His mother, Corrinne Rose, made an update that he had made it through his first surgery, but his condition was severe.
The gunshot had gone through his stomach, damaging both his liver and spine.
He was taken into another emergency surgery as doctors worked to save his life. But an artery in his stomach had been hit and wouldn’t stop bleeding.
Sadly, despite all the prayers and the efforts to save him, Lio didn’t make it.
Next update: we are on minutes to hours right now with a huge rocky road for him. His labs are better due to all the blood he’s receiving. His body is just not capable of healing itself yet which is causing him to consistently bleed out. I appreciate all your support!!! Thank you
Corinne Rose
Kelly Smith, who knew Lio and his family, asked others to keep Lio in their thoughts, calling for prayers and strength as his loved ones faced the unthinkable.
As the stepson of her close friend, Janna Matamoros, Lio’s situation deeply affected those around him. Kelly expressed hope for a miracle and stood with the family during their darkest hours.
And now we pray for comfort as they walk through the unimaginable.
Kelly Smith
Please pray for Lio, my dear friend’s step son. A senseless act of violence has him fighting for his life. Praying for a miracle #liostrong
Janna Matamoros
Further, DCM Photography Studio recently had the opportunity to photograph Julio Matamoros at Mississinewa High School.
The photographer instantly connected with Lio, describing him as special, full of energy, personality, and presence.
The photographer recalled being excited to see Lio and his team play in person, having been so impressed during their time together.
But that excitement turned to heartbreak upon hearing that Lio had been critically injured in an act of senseless violence, and even more so when news came that he had passed away.
My job as a dramatic sports photographer is to make kids look and feel like they are Hero’s and Super Stars!!!
DCM Photography Studio
I met Julio Matamoros, less than a week ago when I did his Dramatic BaseBall Pictures at Mississinewa High School.I knew instantly right away that he was special ,and I would have no problem making him look like a “SUPER STAR” He is one!
We laughed and joked while doing his pictures. My first thoughts and impression of him was WOW, this kid is Awesome!!!I I have to go watch him and the rest of the team play at one of their home games.
I found out earlier today that Lio was fighting for his life, from a senseless and cowardly act of violence and now I have just learned a little bit ago that he has now passed away.
My heart, prayers and condolence go out to Lio’s family , friends, team mates and the whole Mississinewa High School community.
RIP Julio !!!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- A proud member of the Class of 2025, Lio wore jersey #1 and consistently held down the 2B position.
- In 2023, as a junior, the team finished with an impressive 18-6 record and claimed first place in their conference.
- As a sophomore in 2022, Lio contributed to a competitive 13-13 season. By his senior year in 2024, Mississinewa had a 5-3 start, and he had high hopes for another standout season.
