Round Rock Juneteenth shooting: Family of Ara Duke shares memories

ROUND ROCK, Texas - This past weekend was supposed to be a twofold celebration for the Duke family: Juneteenth and Father’s Day.

Christopher and his wife, Ara Duke, were at Round Rock's Juneteenth celebration on Saturday night. Christopher said he went to the bathroom right before gunshots rang out. He mistook them at first for fireworks.

"Then it dawned on me that this is real, this is not fireworks, said Christopher. "Was just trying to enjoy the evening festival, and a gunshot took somebody away from me."

Ara was one of two people killed during a shooting at the event. While details remain unclear, police say ahead of the shooting some kind of altercation broke out. 

Fourteen others were injured but are expected to be okay. Police said the victims were innocent bystanders.

Ara was described by her family as a giver who was especially passionate about helping the kids she worked with at IDEA Public School’s Rundberg campus, both at work and outside of work. 

The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Austin Area also spoke about Ara's death. She worked as the organization's primary school liaison at IDEA Rundberg, helping connect students to BGC resources and support systems. BGCAA is providing mental health professionals and resources internally to its staff impacted by Ara's death.

BGCAA CEO Zenae Campbell released a statement about Duke, saying:

"Words cannot express our grief, sadness, and outrage at the loss of our dear friend Ara Duke. She was a kind, loving woman who dedicated her life to helping youth in our community. She always went above and beyond to ensure that students at IDEA Rundberg had the resources they needed to thrive in the world. We are all devastated by this loss, and we send our sincere condolences to her family and friends. As we mourn Ms. Ara as a community, we will remember her enthusiasm and love for our youth and honor the legacy that she leaves behind. She was an example for us all of how caring citizens can have a big impact on our world."

"She gave, she cared for the kids," said Christopher. "You know, ‘If I could change someone’s life…’ and that’s why she went into education."

Ara also leaves behind a 20-year-old daughter, Alena Holmes.

"She just loved checking in on her people and her friends…and she was a very smart woman, educationally, socially, emotionally," said Alena Holmes, Ara’s daughter. "She taught me a lot of things, and I wish she could still teach me more."

Christopher said he was so thankful for the outpouring of support he’s received from friends and family across the country. He also expressed his condolences to the family and spouse of Lyndsey Vicknair, the other woman who died in the shooting. 

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• Round Rock Juneteenth shooting: Victim's husband speaks out
• Round Rock Juneteenth festival shooting leaves 2 dead, multiple people injured
• Round Rock Juneteenth shooting: Police release suspect description, identify victims

"We’re both suffering a tragic loss," said Christopher.

Instead of flowers, Ara’s family is asking the community to consider donating to the below charities that meant so much to her and are having a major positive impact on the lives of thousands of children.

To donate to NPH USA, click here.

To donate to the Boys and Girls Club of the Austin Area (please include a note that says "In Memory of Ara Duke), click here.