City, police, church leaders working to secure a safer Coachella

We’re only a few months into the new year and there have already been two homicides in Coachella. No arrests have been made.

Police said witnesses are often too afraid to speak up. To spark change, city officials, police and church leaders of all faiths held a “Securing a Safer Coachella” news conference Friday.

The family of 20-year-old Anthony Delatorre, who was shot and killed Sunday in Coachella, also attended the event.

“He knew he was going to die. He knew they were coming after him. He didn’t know when or where. He knew they were coming,” said Delatorre’s grandmother. “I just wish people would stand up and say something.”

The Interfaith Alliance also joined forces with school district officials to discuss what can be done to prevent violence in the community.

“We really need to affect a change in mindset here. People are reluctant to come forward and provide information,” said Capt. Andrew Shouse of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Dept.

“Violence perpetuates violence. There’s a cycle of revenge that takes place,” said Rev. Guy Wilson of Our Lady of Soledad. “We have to unify for better programs of education at our children level. Also, safe places for our young people to gather.”

The Interfaith Alliance hopes more mentoring programs and more crime-prevention education will help.

“The culture’s not going to change overnight. It’s something that’s going to take years and decades to change. It has to start somewhere. Somebody has stand up and say we’re not going to take this. We’re not going to be victimized by these predators and thugs,” said Shouse.