Family, friends seek justice after 20-year-old Caleb Huertas was shot and killed during his sleep

Months after the tragic death of Caleb Huertas, his family seeks justice and grapples with grief, while the community he united remembers his enduring impact.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Months after the tragic death of 20-year-old Caleb Huertas, who was shot and killed in his sleep in November 2025, his family is seeking justice while the community he united remembers his enduring impact. Caleb's parents, Maria and Jorge Huertas, are devastated by the loss of their only son, and his friends describe him as the "glue" who brought people together with his kindness and gift for making connections. No arrests have been made in the case, which the family hopes will lead to justice for Caleb.

Why it matters

Caleb Huertas' death has deeply impacted his family, friends, and the Halls Crossroads community he was an integral part of. His tragic passing at just 20 years old has left his loved ones grappling with grief and a desire for justice, while also highlighting the importance of community and the lasting impression one person can make.

The details

According to the autopsy report, Caleb was shot between the eyes while sleeping at a partner's home in the early morning hours of November 11, 2025. The partner, who was known to "play" with Caleb's firearm, allegedly pointed the loaded gun at Caleb's head and pulled the trigger, resulting in a "non-survivable" wound. Caleb was rushed to the hospital but did not survive. No arrests have been made in the case so far.

  • Caleb Huertas was shot and killed in the early morning hours of November 11, 2025.
  • It has been more than three months since Caleb's death, and no arrests have been announced.

The players

Caleb Huertas

A 20-year-old man from Halls Crossroads, Tennessee, who was tragically shot and killed in his sleep.

Maria Huertas

Caleb's mother, who is devastated by the loss of her only son and is seeking justice for his death.

Jorge Huertas

Caleb's father, who described his son as his "baby" and "best friend" and is also seeking justice for his death.

Ashley Thomas

A close friend of Caleb's who described him as the "glue" who brought people together with his kindness and happiness.

Mackenna Shoemaker

A friend of Caleb's who is working with others to restore his dream car, a Nissan 240sx (s13), in his honor.

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What they’re saying

“He was my baby — my best friend.”

— Jorge Huertas, Caleb's father (wbir.com)

“The people that knew him recently are grieving 20-year-old Caleb, but you know, I grieve the baby that he was and his dad, of course, the little boy that he was, you know, the teenage boy that he was — all of the Caleb's, and then the future.”

— Maria Huertas, Caleb's mother (wbir.com)

“He was like our glue, and he was so happy and kind and sweet.”

— Ashley Thomas, Close friend of Caleb's (wbir.com)

“He just always wanted to be friends with everyone and make everyone happy, and if I called him and needed him, he'd immediately be there.”

— Mackenna Shoemaker, Friend of Caleb's (wbir.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Caleb's partner, who was allegedly involved in his death, to be released on bail.

The takeaway

Caleb Huertas' tragic death has left his family and community devastated, but also highlights the profound impact one person can have through their kindness, generosity, and ability to bring people together. As his loved ones seek justice, they find solace in the lasting legacy Caleb has left behind.