Community holds vigil following shooting rampage in Colorado Springs
People from the Colorado Springs community held a vigil Sunday to remember people killed in a shooting rampage Saturday.
Family, friends and neighbors lit candles and sang as they remembered those shot to death Saturday.
The shooting started on the 200 block of Prospect Street at around 8:45 a.m. Saturday. Witnesses said a man tried to set a house on fire before the shooting started. A man was shot and killed on his bicycle. A few minutes later and a few blocks away, a woman was shot in the chest and another woman was shot in the face. Then the presumed shooter was shot and killed by Colorado Springs police atPlatte Avenue and Wahsatch Avenue.
Jennifer Vasquez’ relatives wiped away tears as they heard neighbors talk about their grief and loss. Her loved ones said she was shot and killed Saturday.
“My aunt was a good person, a really good person,” said Omar.
Vasquez’ family said seeing the community’s candles warmed their hearts.
“The community gathers in a moment’s notice and does this,” said Eloy Navarro. “I saw a lot of love and a lot of togetherness here and that’s amazing.”
Omar said his aunt’s death is another reminder that violence needs to stop.
“Somebody has got to stop this going on. We need to be able to be a productive society,” said Omar.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office wouldn’t confirm Vasquez’ name or the names of the other victims and the suspected shooter.
“We will not be releasing any additional information as to the identities of the victims and or suspect in yesterday shooting until the autopsies are complete, their identities have been confirmed through the Coroner’s office and we have notified the next of kin,” said EPSO spokesperson Jacqueline Kirby in an email Sunday evening.
Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers released a statement Monday morning, saying in part, “On behalf of all the citizens of Colorado Springs, I want to convey our heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of the victims of this crime. I am gratified that neighbors and neighborhood organizations in the area of the crime have rallied to honor the victims and support their families and friends.”
