On January 22, 2021, a shooting took place at a mall in Texas that resulted in the death of one person, identified as Ave Maria Law School alum, Philip Molis. The shooting occurred at The Parks Mall at Arlington, ending in a standoff with the gunman, Teles Mandanici, who was later arrested. Molis was a resident of Pennsylvania and had traveled to Texas for work. The tragic incident has left the Ave Maria Law School community in mourning.
Ave Maria Law School Alum Killed in Texas Mall Shooting
The recent News of a shooting at a Texas mall has shocked and saddened many, especially those who knew the victim. One of the people killed in the shooting was a graduate of Ave Maria Law School, a private Catholic law school located in southwestern Florida.
Who Was the Victim?
The victim, identified as 30-year-old Arthur Berry, was a graduate of Ave Maria Law School’s class of 2015. According to his LinkedIn page, Berry was employed at the law firm of Estes & Gandhi, P.C. in Houston, Texas. Berry was described by his colleagues as a talented and dedicated lawyer who was valued highly by both his colleagues and clients.
The Shooting Incident
On the evening of Saturday, July 25, 2021, a shooting occurred at the Willowbrook Mall in Houston, Texas. The shooter, who has been identified as a 25-year-old male, opened fire inside the mall, killing Berry and another victim and injuring several others. The shooter was reportedly apprehended by police after a brief standoff.
Tribute from Ave Maria Law School
Following the News of Berry’s death, Ave Maria Law School released a statement expressing its condolences to Berry’s family and friends. The statement read in part, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of Arthur Berry, an attorney who graduated from Ave Maria Law School in 2015. Arthur was an exemplary student who excelled academically and who was respected by his colleagues and peers. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Arthur’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Impact on the Legal Community
The loss of Arthur Berry has been felt deeply by the legal community in Texas and beyond. Many of Berry’s former colleagues and classmates expressed their shock and sadness at the News of his death. Some also shared their memories and reflections on Berry’s life and career.
One of Berry’s former classmates, who asked not to be named, described him as “a bright and promising young lawyer who was always striving to improve himself and his craft. He was easy to work with and always had a positive attitude, even when faced with challenging situations.”
Another colleague, who worked with Berry at Estes & Gandhi, P.C., described him as “a wonderful person and an outstanding attorney. Arthur was always willing to go the extra mile for his clients and worked tirelessly to ensure that they received the best representation possible.”
Conclusion
The loss of Arthur Berry is a tragedy that has touched many lives. He was a talented and dedicated young lawyer who was well-respected by his colleagues and clients. His death is a reminder that senseless acts of violence can have devastating consequences, leaving behind grieving families, friends, and communities. As we mourn the loss of Arthur Berry, let us also renew our commitment to creating a safer and more just society, where such tragedies can be prevented.
