Family Of Slain Teen Speaks Out On Gun Violence

A Pueblo family spoke out against gun violence Friday night, one year after 18-year-old Marco Morales was killed.

Dozens of Morales’ family members and friends gathered in Portland Park. They said the vigil was to remember Morales, but also the senseless violence that took his life.

For many the pain was still fresh. Morales’ 5-year-old nephew, Silvino, broke down crying after saying that he loves his “greatest uncle.”

“Not a day goes by that he doesn’t cry for him, ‘Mommy, bring my uncle back,'” said Lorrie Gonzales, Silvino’s mom and Morales’ cousin. “What can you tell a 5-year-old? This just what gun play does.”

Morales died in a triple shooting after police say he and his two friends were trying to buy marijuana and the 16-year-old dealer robbed and shot them. The two friends, David Lucero and Isaiah Chacon, survived.

Those who knew Morales said he was good kid who loved his family and playing basketball.

“It’s painful to lose someone you love, but I guess it’s just a lesson learned for everybody out here,” said Adam Flores, Morales’ cousin.

Morales’ family said that lesson is why they planned the vigil, as a reminder of the consequences of bad decisions and gun violence.

“It took the life of one of our loved ones and it’s not a game,” said Gonzalez.

The accused shooter, 17-year-old Myles Johnson, is being charged as an adult in the killing. He remains in jail awaiting trial.