Community Remembers 2 Men Killed in Easter Shooting
Seventeen-year-old David Sanchez and 32-year-old Rodolfo Lopez were found dead in a house on the 52000 block of Calle Camacho in Coachella Easter morning. The men had been shot and killed. While the investigation toward finding a suspect continues, friends and family of the young men prepare to say goodbye.
Comments of prayer and support flooded Facebook after news of the shootings broke. A family friend said the two men were shot and killed while they slept in their grandmother’s house.
“Well, it’s always devastating when you get that kind of news about anyone in your community,” said Cathedral City pro tem Chuck Vasquez. “But, when it comes so close to home, it’s just unbelievable, and at times, the pain’s unbearable.”
Vasquez invited Sanchez to live with him in April 2011. He wanted to help the young man get his life back on track.
“We developed a very special relationship,” said Vasquez. “In every way that matters, I considered David my son.”
Things started to turn around for Sanchez when he got his first A in school,” Vasquez also introduced him to Calvary Christian Center in Cathedral City.
“David had made changes in his life,” said Vasquez. “David had turned his life around through the commitments he made through having a personal relationship with God.”
Even though the news of the shootings broke early Easter Sunday, it did not change the message of rejoicing and peace at the church.
“At the same time, it was a celebration of David’s life; that he got called home that day,” said Vasquez through tears. “However tragic that day was, he got to go home.”
While the Sheriff’s Department continues its search for clues and a suspect, the family and friends want to move on. “Through the pain is going to come some change in this community, through the horrible deeds that others did,” said Vasquez. “Some lives are going to come be saved through that.”
Services for Sanchez and Lopez will be held throughout the week at location across the valley as well at Calvary Christian Center.
The church held a car wash over the weekend to raise funds for the burial. They are still looking for donations. If you want to help you can call 760-275-9442 or you can donate to Forest Lawn of Indio.
