Family hopes story leads to killer's arrest
Hey, All - I've been out of the blogging universe for awhile but expect to be back in the loop. A big shout out to Jason Kandel for doing such an excellent job of keeping this site moving. And if you haven't seen his "Portraits of Grief," which feature loved ones of homicide victims telling their stories with photos, please do (sorry, can't link to it - you can find it by clicking on the Valley Homicides graph).
In today's paper, I wrote a piece about Kevin Lopez, a 23-year-old who was killed in October when he decided to put off going to bed and meet his best friend and two others outside his house to talk.
Since police have made no arrests in the case, Lopez's uncle, Roger Avila, contacted me and asked if I could write a story about his nephew.
Today, I received three heart-felt e-mails from Roger, as well as Kevin's mother and aunt, all thanking me for writing about Kevin, a young man who is obviously missed by his family and who leaves behind a wife and a 15-month old son.
If you haven't, please read this story. If you think you know who might be responsible, please call police.
These types of stories are among the most important any journalist can write. We like to say that it's a "public service," and it certainly is. But it's much more than that.
When a person shares with me the most intimate details surrounding the trauma of losing a loved one, I'm blown away. The moments after such an interview often require several deep breaths on my part. Ultimately, I'm honored and I try, and will always do so, to tell their stories as best I can.
So to Kevin's wife Jennifer, his buddy Wilder and his entire family, I say thank you.
Comments
Thank You so much Rick. I'm one of Kevin's eldest brothers and I sincerely appreciate the beautiful piece you wrote. Stories like these bring a calming of sorts to families who have lost a love one as we did in losing a great brother, father, husband, son and friend.
Posted by: Oscar A Lopez | January 17, 2008 1:07 PM
Rick, I have received calls and emails from many people who have shared their feelings about the article. Overwhelmingly, they all have been positive and supportive. You are doings God's work. There is a reason for you coming into our lives. I am hopeful that Kevin's crime is solved. It has given us a feeling of optimism. Thanks!
Posted by: Roger Avila | January 17, 2008 7:51 PM
I gladly appreciate what you have done for me and my family, Rick. My name is Avri,and I am one of Kevin's younger brothers. Even though we were 9yrs. apart, we were still very, very close. Kevin was not only my older brother, but he was my best friend. Him and I would spend every weekend together, go on random drives, or even hang out at his house watching a variety of movies. Kevin was the best thing that ever happened in my life, I never realized how much of an impact he had in it. My life has never been the same since his passing, and I don't think that it ever will be. Reading the article you did on my brother was very moving, and it gives me much hope on bringing my brother's death, some well deserved justice. Even though solving my brothers death, may not bring him back to me, it sure will fill part of the empty-ness that I have been feeling in my heart for so long. So on that note, I once again THANK YOU SOO,SOO,SOO, MUCH!!!!
Posted by: Avri A. Rivera | January 19, 2008 10:14 PM
Mr. Coca just as Mr. Carillos killer surrendered herself to the police I wished Kevin's murderer would give himeself up. I am still getting wonderful comments on the story you wrote on Kevin. Thank you so very much again for that article. I am still waiting for a call from Det. Martinez, but it's been almost four months and I haven't heard anything from him. I just hope they don't forget about his case. It's been very hard for me just to sit and wait for a miracle to happen. Well Mr. Coca again Thank You for your time and effort.
Sinceryly,
Telma Avila (Kevin's mom).
Posted by: Telma Avila | February 12, 2008 5:22 PM
Ms. Avila, thanks for the note. I can only tell you in my many conversations with detectives, unsolved cases are very much on their minds. I hope something breaks soon in Kevin's case and again I marvel at the grace you and the rest of your family have displayed in this difficult time. My very best to you all.
Posted by: Rick Coca | February 13, 2008 1:35 PM