The household of a Denver East Excessive College scholar who was shot close to the campus are holding vigil on the hospital bedside of {the teenager} as they wrestle with the query — who would commit such a heinous act?
“It’s such a nightmare for everybody. It got here out of the blue,” mentioned Santos Garcia, 18, the older brother of Luis Garcia. “Who would ever damage him?”
Luis, 16, is a junior at East, the place he competes on the varsity soccer crew. He maintains good grades and has labored a number of jobs, together with at McDonald’s, as a method to assist assist and contribute to his household, Santos Garcia mentioned Thursday night.
“He’s a particularly arduous employee,” Santos mentioned. “Luis at all times helps his household in each which method he can. He desires to make Mother and Dad pleased with him.”
Luis was shot on Monday close to East seventeenth Avenue and Metropolis Park Esplanade. The incident led to a quick lockdown at East on Monday afternoon. Luis stays in a hospital in vital situation.
Santos, who graduated from East in 2022, has been accepted to the College of Colorado. He plans to pursue a medical profession.
“I’m in shock. I’m simply attempting to be there for our household,” Santos mentioned.
Denver police took two Denver Public Faculties college students into custody Monday, though officers mentioned they didn’t know the motive for the taking pictures.
A 17-year-old is being investigated for unlawful possession of a handgun, and a 16-year-old is being investigated for auto theft and felony eluding. Neither has been arrested on prices associated to the taking pictures itself, police mentioned Tuesday. Neither of the 2 attends East. Their names weren’t launched as a result of they’re juveniles.
The Denver East soccer crew has began a GoFundMe web page in assist of Luis.
“As a crew, we wish to assist Luis and his household financially throughout this time of tragedy,” the web page says. “We wish to give them an opportunity to focus solely on the well-being of their beloved son and never the value of medical payments.”
Kirk Bast, Denver East varsity soccer coach, describes Luis as a coach’s dream, a wonderful participant who works arduous and loves the sport.
“He cares tremendously about his teammates and what’s finest for the crew,” Bast mentioned. “It’s loopy. Discuss a great child who didn’t deserve this.”
Santos describes Luis as being highly regarded at East with “plenty of pals.”
Police proceed to analyze the taking pictures. Anybody with info on the incident or on a suspect is requested to name Metro Denver Crime Stoppers 720-913-7867 (STOP).
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