Chula Vista, California—A tragic shooting at a Halloween party claimed the lives of two teenagers, prompting police to arrest an 18-year-old suspect over the weekend. The police confirmed that David Garcia was apprehended near his home in National City and has been charged with murder.
The victims, identified as 15-year-old Kane Roldan and 17-year-old Elias Yanez, were part of a gathering on East Prospect Street when a dispute broke out, leading to the gunfire that took their lives around 11 p.m. on Halloween night. Investigators are pursuing leads to identify the shooter or shooters involved in the incident.
Georgina Martinez, Roldan’s foster mother and legal guardian for the past two years, recalled the harrowing moment she received a phone call from her oldest son, who was attending the party. “We can’t find Kane. We don’t know where Kane is,” he told her, igniting a desperate search for her foster son.
Upon arriving at the scene, Martinez encountered a heavy police presence and yellow tape marking off the area. She was later directed to UC San Diego Medical Center, where she received the heartbreaking news that Kane had not survived. “They did everything they could. But he was gone,” she said, reflecting on the sheer devastation of the moment.
Martinez described Kane as a bright spot in their household, fond of basketball and known for his playful nature. She also shared a poignant message Kane sent her just days prior to his death, expressing his gratitude: “I love you. I’m never gonna be able to repay you for everything you’ve done for me,” he wrote, highlighting their bond and her impact on his life.
As the community reels from the tragedy, Martinez urged anyone with information about the shooting to step forward. “Please help us get justice because these two kids had so much going for them, and it was robbed,” she implored, a plea shared by many grieving over the loss of these young lives.
In light of the fatalities, Kane’s foster family has initiated a fundraising campaign to assist with funeral expenses, demonstrating the financial strain accompanying such a tragic loss.
The investigation continues as law enforcement works to piece together the events leading to the shooting, determined to bring closure to the families devastated by this incident. The community stands united in mourning, as they remember the potential and promise that Kane Roldan and Elias Yanez brought to their lives.