Family speaks out after boy survives Texas mass shooting that killed mom, dad, brother

Kyu Song Cho, his wife Cindy Cho, and their 3-year-old son, James, all died.

May 11, 2023, 8:23 AM

A mom, dad and 3-year-old son were all killed in this weekend's mass shooting in Allen, Texas, officials said, with the family's 6-year-old son the sole survivor.

The victims have been identified as Kyu Song Cho, 37, his wife Cindy Cho, 35, and their 3-year-old son, James.

PHOTO: Kyu Song Cho and Cindy Cho in a photo posted to Facebook.
Kyu Song Cho and Cindy Cho in a photo posted to Facebook.
Kyu Cho/Facebook

The Chos, who lived in Dallas, were among the eight victims killed by a gunman who opened fire on shoppers at the Allen Premium Outlets on Saturday.

Their 6-year-old son, William, was the only survivor of the family, according to a GoFundMe page.

William is "recovering well," the Cho family said in a statement released by Medical City Heath on Wednesday.

"Our hearts are broken for our beloved family members who are no longer with us," the family said. "All of our attention is now focused on ensuring William leads a happy, healthy life with his extended family who love him dearly."

PHOTO: James, 3, (R), was identified as one of the victims of the Allen, Texas, mass shooting. His brother, William 6, (L) survived.
James, 3, (R), was identified as one of the victims of the Allen, Texas, mass shooting. His brother, William 6, (L) survived.
Kyu Cho/Facebook

James "was sweet and smart, and he was so cute," his day care teacher, Trinity Whitley, told Dallas ABC affiliate WFAA. "And he was brilliant child. I've never actually met a 3-year-old that was that smart. He could read and he was writing his own name."

"He usually wore elephant bibs and shirts," she said. "He loved elephants."

PHOTO: James Cho, 3, and his parents, were among the eight people killed in the Allen, Texas, mass shooting.
James Cho, 3, and his parents, were among the eight people killed in the Allen, Texas, mass shooting.
WFAA

Kyu Cho was an immigration attorney.

He used "his own experience as an immigrant in the early 1990s with his broad range of legal skills, in order to better understand and identify with his clients and to help them with their uniquely specific immigration matters," according to his profile on his employer's website. "In his free time, Kyu enjoys participating in church activities, watching his two young boys grow up, and spending time with his family."

Cindy Cho was a dentist who went by Cindy Kang at her practice.

"Our whole team loved her very much, and we are absolutely heartbroken," said Coughlin. "Dr. Kang was the sweetest, most beautiful soul with the kindest heart. She was an outstanding dentist, mother, wife, daughter, friend, and faithful woman of God."

"Our prayers go out to all the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy," Coughlin added. "Please pray for these families."

ABC News' Jenna Harrison. Alyssa Pone and Brandon Baur contributed to this report.