Source link : https://las-vegas.news/las-vegas-mom-7-kids-mourn-on-anniversary-of-fathers-homicide/
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — 1000’s of vehicles go the empty filth lot alongside South Durango Drive, however to Karen Lopez, it’s the location of her household’s turning level. One 12 months later, she is asking the group to recollect her husband moderately than how his life ended.
On Dec. 27, 2024, Jerry Lopez, 39, was driving to work when a person being pursued by police shot the father of seven, pulling him out of his household’s van. The chase continued till police shot and killed the gunman close to South Durango Drive and Blue Diamond Street.
When Lopez’s spouse, Karen, noticed the information, she tried to name Jerry however couldn’t attain him. She drove to the scene of the taking pictures and remained there for 5 hours earlier than police confirmed to her the circumstances surrounding her husband’s loss of life.
One 12 months later, Karen stood on the intersection the place her household was perpetually modified and prayed with mates and members of Life Church.
One 12 months after the loss of life of Jerry Lopez, his spouse Karen stood on the intersection and prayed with mates and members of Life Church. | KLAS
One 12 months after the loss of life of Jerry Lopez, his spouse Karen stood on the intersection and prayed with mates and members of Life Church. | KLAS
One 12 months after the loss of life of Jerry Lopez, his spouse Karen stood on the intersection and prayed with mates and members of Life Church. | KLAS
One 12 months after the loss of life of Jerry Lopez, his spouse Karen stood on the intersection and prayed with mates and members of Life Church. | KLAS
“Today means more than you guys will ever know for all of your love and support, especially today,” Lopez mentioned. “Nobody expects to wake up one day to find out that the absolute love of your life was horrifically murdered. But here we are, a year later, walking in that reality.”
Lopez mentioned she needed individuals to recollect Jerry’s affect and legacy. A father of seven, a diligent employee, dedicated to his religion, a hockey coach to their son, and somebody in pursuit of a greater life for his or her household.
Jerry Lopez, 39, was driving to work when a person being pursued by police shot the father of seven. | Photograph supplied by Karen Lopez
“[Anthony] has his first set of tournaments next month. I look over at most of his games on the bench, and I think you should still be here standing there coaching his team,” Lopez mentioned. “You would be so proud of our kid’s game. They have handled this year better than I could ever have imagined.”
Driving by the location the place their father died, Karen mentioned their kids ask if they’ll carry cookies and low to the location to let him know they nonetheless consider him. Karen famous the ache of answering their harmless questions whereas preventing again tears.
“I’ve had to learn to walk around with a broken heart and a fake smile on my face most days, to show up every day for the kids when I wanted to stay in bed and shut out reality,” she mentioned. “But our kids are my why, and you are still my motivation. I just want to make you proud.”
After the group sang, one in every of Karen’s sons informed them they’d a shock for her to unwrap: a blue Superman bench. The group broke out markers and commenced to jot down phrases of motivation on the bench for the person they famous remains to be working to help his household by means of his legacy.
A blue Superman bench was unveiled and signed by the gathered mates and acquaintances in honor of Jerry Lopez. | KLAS
A blue Superman bench was unveiled and signed by the gathered mates and acquaintances in honor of Jerry Lopez. | KLAS
In January, the household obtained a van donated by the Findlay Automotive Group. The household remains to be searching for help following the lack of their father; anybody wanting to assist can accomplish that on the household GoFundMe.
Author : LasVegasNews
Publish date : 2024-12-28 07:07:30
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