Texas Deputy Shoots Food Influencer Michael Duarte Dead in Mental Health Crisis—Coroner Rules Homicide

The shots that killed Michael Duarte echoed far beyond the quiet streets of Castroville, Texas. In minutes, a 911 call about a man in crisis at a rental property turned into a fatal police shooting of a barbecue personality followed by more than 2 million online followers. His death on November 8, 2025, stunned fans, rippled through the food world, and intensified scrutiny of how law enforcement responds when mental health emergencies spiral out of control.

At 11:28 a.m., Medina County dispatchers received a report of a man with a knife behaving erratically at a rental site near Houston Street in Castroville, about 25 miles southwest of San Antonio. Fire and EMS crews arrived first, followed by Castroville police and a Medina County Sheriff’s Office deputy.

The incident escalated rapidly. According to the sheriff’s incident report, Duarte was threatening to “kill everyone” at the scene and attempting to assault Fire and EMS personnel who were trying to help. A female deputy repeatedly ordered Duarte to get on the ground and comply. The situation reached a critical point when Duarte allegedly rushed toward her with a knife, yelling, “I’m going to kill you.” The deputy fired two shots, striking him on the property. Medics treated him immediately and transported him to University Hospital in San Antonio, where he was pronounced dead. His death was later officially ruled a homicide by the medical examiner—standard terminology for deaths caused by another person in such cases.

A Rising Barbecue Star

Duarte was in Medina County for the Texas Open Fire Meat Up, a prominent barbecue gathering scheduled that same day in nearby Hondo. Organizers had promoted him as a featured guest in late October, and he was staying at a rental property alongside others involved with the event.

Online, he was best known as @FoodWithBearHands, a larger-than-life cooking personality who built a devoted audience across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. He specialized in inventive, often extravagant barbecue creations presented with an informal, approachable style that resonated with home cooks and pitmasters alike. His popularity led to a formal role as an ambassador for Bear Mountain BBQ, a major brand in the grilling and smoking industry.

Duarte grew up in Calipatria, a small community east of San Diego. He first learned to cook working in his uncle’s Mexican restaurant at age 14, then worked in various restaurant positions around the San Diego area before transitioning to online content creation. Around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, he experienced a mental health crisis and sought treatment through rehabilitation. Following his recovery, he began posting cooking content on social media as a hobby while working at another restaurant. This side project evolved into his primary focus when he recognized the potential and fulfillment it provided.

Signs of Struggle

Behind the upbeat cooking videos, Duarte had spoken publicly about serious personal challenges. On October 25, 2025, he shared a candid message on Instagram describing his journey through mental health struggles. In that post, he wrote: “That’s when I realized how happy creating content made me. Over time, I began to see it wasn’t just a hobby—it could be a business, something bigger than myself.”

The post, which addressed his experiences with mental health and recovery, drew engagement from followers who viewed his openness as a testament to resilience and growth. That candor made the events in Castroville even more jarring for fans who had followed his recovery journey.

In his private life, Duarte and his wife Jessica had just marked their ninth wedding anniversary shortly before the shooting on November 5. The couple shared a six-year-old daughter, Oakley. Jessica had been a steady presence as his online profile grew, while he traveled for festivals, collaborations, and content creation.

Family, Grief, and Online Legacy

In the days after Duarte’s death, Jessica faced the dual burden of private mourning and public attention. Friends and family described what happened as a “horrible incident,” reflecting the tragic and complex nature of the event.

On November 13, she posted a tribute on Michael’s main account, addressing millions who had known him only through a screen. She later decided not to let his digital presence go dormant, instead choosing to share memories, stories, and unfinished ideas. “I’ve struggled with what to do since his passing, so I’m doing what feels right, and that’s sharing his stories,” she wrote, explaining that she wanted to honor him as a creator, husband, father, and friend.

Over time, Jessica described turning to faith as a framework for processing the loss. In interviews following his death, she acknowledged the difficulty of continuing without him while maintaining hope. She also addressed the rapid spread of speculation and rumors about the shooting, urging people not to circulate false or exaggerated claims. Her appeal underscored how families of public figures can find themselves battling misinformation while still in shock, particularly when a death involves law enforcement and viral attention.

Investigation, Secrecy, and Industry Reaction

The Texas Rangers took charge of the investigation into the shooting, examining use-of-force decisions, Duarte’s actions, and the broader chain of events. As of mid-December 2025, the inquiry remained open and full autopsy findings had not yet been publicly released.

A separate controversy emerged on November 19, when the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, through Bojorquez Law Firm, requested that the Texas Attorney General prevent the release of the deputy’s body-worn camera footage. The filing argued that public disclosure could jeopardize the Rangers’ active investigation and reveal sensitive details about the deputy. The move drew attention because video evidence is often central in public assessments of police shootings.

Within the barbecue and digital creator communities, reactions were swift and somber. Alooma Media Group, which managed Duarte, praised him in a statement remembering him as “a remarkable person.” Bear Mountain BBQ recalled his “rare gift for capturing the true spirit of BBQ” and for connecting audiences to the craft of outdoor cooking.

Several crowdfunding campaigns were launched to help Jessica and Oakley with funeral costs, including transporting Duarte’s body back to California. The efforts highlighted the sudden financial strain families can face after an unexpected death, particularly when household income is tied to a single, charismatic online presence.

Looking Ahead

Duarte’s killing has become part of a broader conversation about how authorities handle behavioral health emergencies, especially when armed officers are the primary responders. His recent public acknowledgment of mental health struggles and time in rehabilitation has fueled questions about whether co-response models—pairing law enforcement with clinicians or crisis specialists—could have altered the outcome.

Within the online creator world, his death has prompted renewed discussion about pressure, burnout, and the gap between public visibility and private support. Duarte had begun talking openly about recovery; his death underscores that disclosure alone does not guarantee sustained care or effective crisis intervention.

As the Texas Rangers continue their work and officials decide how much evidence to release, Duarte’s family and followers remain focused on how he lived as much as how he died. For many, the unresolved questions around his final moments are now intertwined with larger debates over policing, mental health care, and what changes might be needed to prevent future tragedies like the one that unfolded on a Castroville street.