Murdered man’s family raises money for funeral

While police in Cathedral City are still looking for three suspects connected to a murder last weekend, the family of the victim, 19-year-old Solomon Patrick, is working to raise money to put him to rest.

“We’re out here today doing a community car wash for Solomon. Finding justice for him, making sure he gets what he deserves, put to rest,” Emily Macias told KESQ News Channel 3’s and CBS Local 2’s Katie Widner.

Macias was Patrick’s date to prom. On Sunday afternoon, family and friends joined together in Desert Hot Springs to raise awareness and money.

“We still don’t have a set date as we’re still getting the funds together,” said Patrick’s stepmother Kalina Harris.

Many community members stopped by to do what they could to help.

“It makes me feel good. At least I’m able to do something,” said Daniel Gamez, who paid the $5 to get his car washed.

Despite the circumstances, it was an upbeat affair. Just as Patrick would have wanted.

“The girl he went to prom with said, ‘he was only about dancing and having fun,'” added Harris. “‘I told her, “you know what? You’re absolutely right.’ So that has kind of lifted up my spirit out here.”

“He was always messing around, dancing joyful. Always happy,” Macias said.

“We love him. So, I’m (going) to be out here dancing in the street for Solly,” said Patrick’s step-aunt Kabrina Harris while laughing through tears. “We (are) out here and we (are) ‘gonna raise that money.”

The family said they can’t thank the community enough for their support. A trust has been set up at Bank of America for people who could not make the recent fundraising events, but who would like to donate. Donations can be made to ‘Long Live Solly.’