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Killed by gun August 12, 1998, at age 36

Ralph was a devoted father of three children who were engaged to be married, and he always tried to take care of them. He was a sincere church-goer, 8:30 service every Sunday morning, and was trying to get his life in order.

His hobbies were skating, working on and putting old cars together, and playing all sports. He belonged to a car club. And he loved all his friends, believing they would never do any harm, he was always there when they needed him.

He finished Gardena High, took courses at Southwest College, and had enrolled in a trade school, taking a “Hasmatt” course. He never wanted to say no to anyone, always gave a helping hand.

God bless you son, we all love and miss you very much.

Love, Mother

Killed by gun June 8, 1999 Age 17

On the morning of June 8, 1999, seventeen-year-old Olivia Munguia and her cousin, fifteen-year-old Jessica Zavala were shot to death as they walked to school in Lynwood, California. The gunman, twenty-year-old Juan Manuel Casillas, was angry with Olivia Munguia because she had recently broken off their dating relationship. In the days prior to the shooting, Casillas stalked and threatened Olivia Munguia.

The police investigation revealed that Casillas approached the two girls with a gun as they walked down the street. Casillas fired five rounds into Olivia Munguia’s back, and one round into Jessica Zavala’s back. Witnesses observed Casillas flee from the scene. Olivia and Jessica were taken to the hospital where they both died as a result of the gunshot wounds.

After the police investigation, Casillas was charged with two counts of murder. Before officers could arrest him, Casillas, a Mexican national, fled to Mexico. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office waived the death penalty and requested extradition. Mexico denied the request to extradite Casillas because he would face a potential sentence of life without parole. Once extradition was denied, Mexico prosecuted Casillas for the murders.

In 2002, Mexican authorities informed the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department that Casillas was convicted and sentenced to sixty years in prison. The victims’ family was never notified of the trial. They were not provided any opportunity to be heard at Casillas’ sentencing hearing. They doubt the authenticity of the sentence and believe that Casillas will be able to·buy his freedom. Under current state law California can never prosecute Casillas for these murders because he was already tried in Mexico.

Killed by gun October 12, 1998, at age 50

My mother, Mary Ann Mitchell, was a fragile and kind person who loved her family and, most of all, adored her grandchildren. She was a member of True Samaritan Church and a strong believer in God and the law. Her most cherished hobbies were studying her Bible with friends and spending most of her time with her grandchildren.

By Maurice Mitchell, Son

Killed by gun May 4, 1998, at age 33

Kim was 33 years of age. She bore seven children, two sons and five girls. She was a loving and devoted mother to her children. They were her life. She believed in God and in her family. She liked shopping and doing things like outings, restauranting with her children. She also was a loving daughter with utmost respect for her mother. She was also a giving person who liked to help others.

I love her very much.

By Donna Fairley, Mother

Killed by gun July 22, 1998, at age 14

Joshua was a fun-loving kid. He loved all sports and always gave 110% at whatever he did.

He always helped others, never asking for anything in return. He always seemed to smile no matter what.

He was a kid well-liked by all and full of life with a positive attitude.

By Anthony Marchesano, Father

Killed by gun November 11, 2002 at age 29

He always wanted to have a nice and clean house and he worked on the garden every Saturday and enjoyed cleaning every corner of the patio. He also liked playing with his dog and washing the cars at our house. He would do anything for his friends to make them happy. He worked as a maintenance man at a hotel and everyone liked him. His boss told me “He was my best man, I will miss him.” All his coworkers miss him because he was very nice to everyone.

Written by Maria Vargas, Jose’s mother

Killed by gun January 16, 1998, at age 37

John’s occupation was welding, although he did construction work, too. His interests included playing the drums and working on old cars. He liked listening to music of the 60’s and 70’s. John was very talented in drawing pictures of cartoon characters.

He was liked by almost everyone that knew him, and no matter what problems he may have had, he was never, ever seen without a smile on his face. He was a loved and lovely man.

By Lelia M. Smith

Killed by gun July 16, 1998, at age 22

James Mitchell, Jr. was born April 28, 1977 to two loving parents. He was a very caring person who was loved by all who knew him.

He worked as a machine operator at Caltex Plastic Co. for many years. He enjoyed fishing and racing cars in his spare time.

He is greatly missed by his loved ones and will always be in our hearts forever. And every day that passes is a day we get closer to seeing him again.

By TaJuana Riggans, Fiance

Killed by gun February 2, 1998 at age 1 and 1/2 

Gessica was born on February 11, 1996, in the city of Downey. She was an only child. She loved to watch Barney and Disney movies. She loved to listen and sing songs like the “ABC”s, “The Wheels On The Bus”, “Itsy Bitsy Spider”, & the “I Love You”. She loved to draw and take bubble baths. She really enjoyed playing with her favorite cousin Lexie. She was a very happy & caring baby girl. She had a heart of gold, & a contagious smile. I lost her, on February 2, 1998. I will always remember her and grieve her death. My life is forever changed and empty without her. I love you mamita! Your mommy Glenda

Written by Gessica’s Mother, Glenda Meraz

Killed by gun December 16, 1999, at age 21

Garreth Link McKenzie was my youngest boy who two months earlier had promised that he’d never move out or leave me. He was very loving and demonstrative.

He was attending SCIC working toward his degree in Computer Networking. He loved computers and was very good at working on them. His greatest hobby was poetry, for which he had received an Editor’s Choice Award.
He loved music, working on old vehicles, and was a loving son who called me G. He took care of the house and he was truly a great help to me. Gary loved life and everyone he met.

By Geraldine McKenzie, Mother

Killed by gun September 29, 1998, at age 18

Felix was a caring boy. He was always trying to help others less fortunate. He was born with a weak physical deficiency, but that didn’t stop him from the sports he loved to play. He also loved music. And he had just accepted the Lord. He was a little troublesome, but lots of kids get into trouble. 

He was employed at his first job three weeks before his death and was killed on his way to work, and all of his dreams were shattered.

There are so many things I can say, but I just hope and pray we can one day be rid of all the violence in this twisted world.

By Susie Rivera, Mother

Killed by gun August 29, 1998, at age 18

Fabian was a wonderful son, brother and friend. He loved people in general. He worked part time in a shipping and handling firm. He loved music and cars.

He left behind three beautiful kids, two boys and one girl. His father gave him a car and gave him permission to go out at night with a curfew, which he always kept.

His young life was cut short by an assassin’s bullet, and we will never see him again until we see him in heaven.

By Olga Iris Negron, Sister