Family of teen killed in Cathedral City: ‘Step up, speak up’
More information about a 19-year-old man who was shot to death in Cathedral City early Sunday morning has been released. Three suspects are still on the run.
The Cathedral City Police Department identified the victim as Solomon Patrick of Desert Hot Springs. A GoFundMe page has been started by his family and friends.
News Channel 3’s and CBS Local 2’s Katie Widner spoke to Patrick’s family on Monday, as his loved ones prepared for his funeral. His family described him as a “shining star” who was beloved by many.
“I really don’t have words,” said Charles Patrick, Solomon’s father. “I refused to believe it even after I was told. I hung up and I called back again, just to be told again, and hung up and called back again, just to be told again because I refused to believe it. Because I couldn’t, I just couldn’t fathom that. It was just too much. It was way too much.”
According to the CCPD, Patrick was shot three times in the abdomen and died at the scene. An initial altercation took place outside a residence on El Canto Road where it is believed a house party was held. Police were called to the scene and broke it up. Police said about an hour later, Patrick and a group of friends, as well as a group of the suspects, continued the argument in front of a home in the 68500 block of Tachevah Drive. That altercation is believed to have started in the driveway and then spilled out onto the street where the shooting happened at 2:40 a.m.
There are three suspects police have been searching for:
Suspect 1: The alleged shooter believed to be in possession of a black handgun. Last seen wearing a black shirt and jean shorts. Hispanic man, 18-22 years old, 5’6″ to 5’8″, medium build, about 140 pounds. Suspect 2: Possibly underage and also believed to be in possession of a black handgun. Last seen wearing a red shirt and black shorts. Hispanic male, 16-18 years old, 5’8″, 130 pounds. Suspect 3: Last seen wearing a blue shirt and dark jeans. Hispanic male, 17-19 years old, 5’8″ to 5’9″, medium build.
“We have not determined the reason for the fight at this particular point,” said CCPD Commander Julio Luna. “He (Patrick) seemed like he was a good kid and this does not seem like a gang-related issue.”
Patrick was a former running back for DHSHS before he graduated in 2016. He was described by his former coach, Will Littell, as the ideal student-athlete.
“He was a great young man with a bright future,” Littell said. “He was intelligent. He was articulate. I mean, me had all the qualities that if I had a son, I would love, I would want (him) to have.”
Solomon’s family is still looking for answers, and asks anyone with information to come forward.
“Do not be afraid of these guys because that’s what they’re counting on. Step up, speak up,” said Charles Patrick.
“If they know anything, just come forward. This is so unreal. I can’t even describe it,” said Kalena Harris.
A vigil took place Monday night at 8 p.m. at Panorama Park in Cathedral City, just yards away from where the shooting took place.
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