Easter Sunday victim recalled
Brian Day attended a vigil for Richard Lopez, a 17-year-old La Puente resident who was gunned down on Easter Sunday as he walked through his neighborhood with his girlfriend. The photo, part of a gallery of pictures, was shot by Mike Mullen. An excerpt:
Richard's case is the third homicide in the La Puente area investigated by the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau this year.
Joe Rudy Encinas of La Puente was pronounced dead at the scene of a March 8 shooting on Tonopah Avenue near Flynn Street, coroner's officials said - about one mile away from where Richard was shot.
Encinas was driving his car when he was shot in the back, officials added. A motive or suspect description was not known.
Lt. Larry Lincoln of the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau said Encinas was not known to have any gang ties.
On Feb. 3, a 43-year-old La Puente resident was found stabbed to death inside a trailer in the 13800 block of Proctor Avenue, said Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Edmundo Hummel.
"(The violence) needs to stop," said Julie, Richard's sister. "We wanted to come out here not just for Richard, but for all the victims."
Alice said her son's organs have already helped to save the lives of at least eight people.
"Pray for those people who got his organs," she said.
Alice addressed the group of young people in front of the memorial, urging them to use caution.
"All you kids please be careful. Watch it out there. Keep an eye on your back. Keep an eye on your friends' backs. Keep safe," said Alice.
Comments
My love and heart goes out to Richard's family. My heart is in a million pieces thinking of his mother. I have two boys, and I worry every day that they are away from me. This is one of the trials when we must trust in our Lord Jesus Christ. I wonder why these boys are out there killing innocent beautiful kids, if they have anyone
to love and guide them? I know I must pray for them as well, even though its hard for me to even consider doing so.
Posted by: Covina Resident | April 4, 2008 1:00 PM