Candlelight vigil held for man, teacher killed in Coachella shooting, crash

A candlelight vigil was held Thursday evening in Coachella for the two people killed as the result of a shooting.

Jason Verdugo, Jr., 21, and Gabriela Salazar, a teacher at Westside Elementary School were killed.

The Sheriff's Department said Verdugo was driving on Avenue 50 in Coachella Friday night when he was shot and killed. As a result of the gunfire, he lost control and ran his car into two pedestrians, including the CVUSD teacher.

The vigil was held at Avenue 50 and Calhoun Street, where the shooting and crash happened last week.

"My reaction, of course, is sadness and sorrow," said Aaron Aguilar, Verdugo's uncle. He was surrounded by loved ones Thursday night, and said they're clinging to their faith.

"I get my peace through the holy spirit, through the lord. That's where I get my comfort, so if you ask me how I'm coping with this situation, it's my relationship with Jesus Christ," Aguilar said.

He's trying to focus on the positive – like how he wants to remember his nephew. "He was a loving caring, big-hearted person," he said. "Always full of joy and every time I'd see my nephew, it was always with a big smile on his face."

Aguilar said he has empathy and understanding for Salazar's family too. "Tragically, another life was taken, not just my nephew's," he said. "And I just want to apologize from the bottom of my heart."

Westside Elementary's principal wrote in a letter to parents: "Mrs. Salazar was an outstanding teacher who cared very deeply about the success and wellbeing of each and every one of her students. We will all miss her very much and will spend many difficult moments grieving her loss."

All those lives touched are now vowing not to forget.

"I know the person that he was, and that's forever going to be with me. That's forever gonna stand with me," Aguilar said.

Verdugo's aunt wrote on a GoFundMe page, "My nephew was a fun, loving, decent young man whose life was taken too soon. He was a hardworking gentleman with a bright future and it was all cut short due to senseless act of violence."

No suspects have been taken into custody in connection with this shooting.

You can reach Jake on Twitter, Facebook or email him at jake.ingrassia@kesq.com.