'They took everything from us': Groom Gunned Down at His Wedding Reception by Masked Robbers in Missouri

Festivities turned to horror at a wedding reception in Missouri as the groom was shot by masked robbers gatecrashing the party.

Knewz.com has learned that the victim has been rushed to an area hospital and is currently in critical condition.

The incident happened late at night on Friday, June 28, when Manuel and Dulce Gonzalez were celebrating their wedding reception with an intimate backyard party at the 3800 block of Neosho Street, Missouri.

Witnesses told the police that around 1:00 a.m. local time, two masked gunmen broke into the property and yelled for no one to move. They demanded money from the guests.

As one of the gunmen started going through the guests' pockets, the other one aimed his gun at Manuel's head and fired several shots.

Both the masked men fled the scene after the shooting, without actually taking any money or valuables from the guests, although robbery seemed like their initial motive at the time.

Yaribeth Pena, the sister of the bride, told local news outlet Fox2 News , "They took nothing, yet they took everything from us."

Describing the 32-year-old groom, Pena said, "He’s a good father. A good husband to my sister. He’s a hard worker... He’s just an all-around good person that, I don’t know, he didn’t deserve this."

As of Sunday, June 30, the family stated that police had yet to collect all of the evidence left at the scene and interview all the witnesses. Currently, family members of the victim are requesting the community to submit any available footage of the incident to law enforcement to help with the ongoing investigation.

Police are encouraging anyone with information to call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS, per Fox2 News.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for the newlywed couple to help with their expenses during this time of crisis.

"On Friday 6/28, [Dulce] was getting married with a small family ceremony at her home with their 2 small children. The family was robbed at gunpoint and her husband was shot in the head. He’s alive and in critical condition. We need prayers that he will come through this," the fundraiser page read.

"The family will need help with expenses, including medical bills and the loss of his income. Any support that can be afforded to this sweet family will be greatly appreciated."

The GoFundMe page posted an update on Wednesday, July 3, saying that Manuel is still sedated and that the family is waiting for the "swelling to decrease."

"Otherwise, his vitals are strong. Dulce has been by his side every day," wrote Jeanie Ratliff, the organizer of the GoFundMe campaign. Ratliff added that the family has been able to raise more than half of the $50,000 goal.

"Please continue to keep the family and the children in your prayers. They have a long road ahead of them. Thank you, and God Bless!"

The incident in Missouri came mere weeks after a series of mass shootings across the United States, the latest being a shooting incident at an Arkansas grocery store .

On June 21, a gunman opened fire at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce, a small town about 70 miles south of Little Rock, Arkansas, leaving three dead and several wounded with significant injuries.

The Arkansas incident followed two mass shootings in Philadelphia and Oakland on June 19. The Oakland shooting happened at a Juneteenth event near Lake Merritt where at least 15 people were shot, one person was assaulted and at least two officers were attacked, according to the police.

"This type of behavior and level of violence is unacceptable... The opportunity to celebrate with your family and friends should never be marred by gunfire," Oakland police Chief Floyd Mitchell said in a statement to NBC Bay Area on June 20.

On the other hand, the shooting in North Philadelphia left around seven individuals wounded, including a 16-year-old girl. "All of the victims are in stable condition except for the 19-year-old man who was shot in the back. He is currently in critical condition," NBC10 wrote, citing the police.