Influencer Michael Duarte Shot Dead After Charging at Deputy
Michael Duarte, a popular barbecue influencer, was shot and killed by a deputy in Castroville, Texas. The incident occurred on Saturday morning during an emergency response to a disturbance involving a man with a knife. Duarte, 39, allegedly threatened law enforcement and lunged at an officer with a weapon.
Details of the Incident
At approximately 11:30 a.m. CST, local authorities received a 911 call reporting a man wielding a knife. The Medina County Sheriff’s deputy responded to assist Castroville police at the scene. Upon arrival, the deputy repeatedly instructed Duarte to comply and drop the weapon, but he refused.
- Duarte threatened the deputy, saying, “I’m going to kill you.”
- He then lunged at the deputy with the knife, prompting her to fire her weapon.
- Emergency responders transported him to University Hospital in San Antonio, where he was declared dead.
The Influencer’s Background
Duarte was known for his barbecue content, boasting over 2.1 million followers across social media platforms. He often shared his culinary skills under the brand “Food with Beat hands.” His talent agency, Alooma Media Group, painted a picture of Duarte as a devoted family man and a caring friend.
Community and Personal Impact
Duarte’s death happened days after he celebrated his ninth wedding anniversary with his wife, Jessica, and as he participated in the Texas Open Fire Meat Up festival in Hondo.
Castroville, where the tragedy took place, is a small community with a population of about 3,201 as of 2024. The area is part of the Greater San Antonio region, known for its close-knit community and local events.
The loss of Michael Duarte has deeply affected his followers and the barbecue community. His warmth and passion for cooking will be missed by many.
