Family asks public for help in finding suspect who gunned down popular MMA instructor

A vigil was hosted Thursday for Ramon Diaz, a local MMA instructor who was killed on March 28, 2018 outside his Cathedral City home.

Diaz’s killer is still at large and his loved ones are asking for the community’s help in solving the case.

” It is hard. It is hard living without him, ” said Mary Diaz, Ramon Diaz’s wife, ” It is frustrating sometimes. It is difficult. We just need to keep praying and asking god, ‘please bring those people to justice’. ”

The suspects were last seen in home surveillance video where authorities were able to see a shooter and driver, but have not been able to identify who the pair is.

” It’s been so hard going on every day. Not knowing, not understanding why he was taken from us all, ” said Gabriela Diaz, Ramon Diaz’s sister.

Diaz’s MMA family were also at the vigil. Some shared memories they had with Diaz.

“He was a loyal friend,” said one of Diaz’s former students.

Private investigator Louis Bolanos told News Channel 3′ s Lauren Coronado that he hasn’t questioned suspects, but believes gang members are behind Diaz’s murder.

” For gang members to do a hit like that, lay in wait, know where he lives, know what time he comes home. Folks like that tend to talk, ” Bolanos said.

Detective Brian Barkley with the Cathedral City Police Department says he’s been working the case since the start.

” I can understand their (Diaz family) frustration, that we, as a police department, don’t have somebody in custody. I would be frustrated as well, but at the same time, I want them to understand I’m doing everything I can and I want the public to know I need their help in getting information, so we can find the person who did this and seek justice for Ramon and his family, ” Barkley said.

If you have any information on Diaz’s murder you’re asked to call your local authorities.