An 18-year-old entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde on Tuesday morning, barricaded himself inside a classroom and opened fire, killing 19 children — at least five of whom were fourth-graders — and two teachers who were trying to protect them. 

Eva Mireles

The fourth grade teacher worked for the Uvalde school district for 17 years. She was trying to protect the kids from the gunman when she was shot. She was married to Ruben Ruiz, a police officer, and has a daughter.

“Mom, I have no words to describe how I feel right now, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life. I never thought that I would be here writing this type of post for you. Mom, you are a hero. I keep telling myself that this isn’t real. I just want to hear your voice,” Mireles’ daughter, Adalynn Ruiz, wrote in a Facebook post on Wednesday. 

Also Read: Who was Salvador Rolando Ramos, the 18-year-old Texas elementary school shooter?

Irma Garcia

Garcia was Mireles’ co-teacher and had taught at the school for 23 years. She was married with four children. She reportedly loved barbecuing with her husband and listening to music. She was also shielding her students when she was shot.

Also Read: 3 deadliest school shootings in Texas

Uziyah Garcia

The 8-year-old was one of the kids killed in Tuesday’s shooting. 

“The sweetest little boy that I’ve ever known. I’m not just saying that because he was my grandkid,” her grandfather, Manny Renfro, told the Associated Press. 

Uziyah had last visited him in San Angelo during spring break.

“We started throwing the football together, and I was teaching him pass patterns. Such a fast little boy, and he could catch a ball so good. There were certain plays that I would call that he would remember, and he would do it exactly like we practiced.”

Also Read: Texas school shooting: Here is what world leaders had to say

Amerie Jo Garza

Garza had just turned 10 on May 10.

“Thank you everyone for the prayers and help trying to find my baby. She’s been found. My little love is now flying high with the angels above. Please don’t take a second for granted. Hug your family. Tell them you love them. I love you Amerie Jo. Watch over your baby brother for me,” her father Angel Garza told ABC. 

Xavier Lopez

The 10-year-old’s mother was with him at the school during an awards ceremony just hours before the shooting.

“He was just a loving 10-year-old little boy, just enjoying life, not knowing that this tragedy was going to happen today. He was very bubbly, loved to dance with his brothers, his mom. This has just taken a toll on all of us,” his cousin Lisa Garza told KSAT. 

Ellie Garcia

The 10-year-old is related to board member John Rodriguez.

“It’s hard to issue out a statement on anything right now my mind is going at 1000 miles per hour… but I do wanna send our thoughts and prayers to those who also didn’t make it home tonight!!! I was gonna DJ for her at her party like she wanted me too!!! Mom and Dad love you never forget that and please try and stay by our side Amor!!!! Send prayers to all UVALDE we really need it!!!!” her father wrote in a Facebook post.