Rafael “Ralphie” Farias’ heart carries many images of his son, Matthew:
The smiling child who ran to him every morning for a hug. The boy who once complained that he was going to play football because he was ‘too good for basketball’. The 9-year-old calls ‘my favorite’ by teachers at Hoover Primary School.
But now there is another image – a child with curly brown hair in the arms of his mother, who died during a shooting in Orange, California, on Wednesday.
While police search for a motive and wrestle family members with grief, Farias said he will never understand why the gunman aimed at a child.
“I’m so shocked. I’ve never met this person, animal,” Farias said weeping. “Innocent people do not deserve to die. I am here with my pain … He was my only son, my life.”
Matthew Farias was one of four people killed in Unified Homes, a mobile home brokerage. The other deceased were identified by the Orange police station as Luis Tovar (50); Leticia Solis Guzman, 58; and Jenevieve Raygoza (28). Tovar owned the business.
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Matthew’s mother, Blanca Tamayo, an employee of Unified Homes, was wounded but survived. Farias said she was rocking their son when both were shot.
“My angel, he saved his mother from dying,” Farias added. “He took the bullets for her.”
The suspect, a 44-year-old owner of a trucking business, was wounded by police during a shootout at the business and is now facing four charges of murder, as well as three of attempted murder.
According to authorities, the attacker locked gates outside the office building to prevent victims from escaping. Police did not disclose a motive for the riot, but say they believe the gunman had some connection to the business and that the assault was not random.
Rafael Farias said his child has always been happy, a leader in sports and the classroom. In a Facebook message he writes: “RIP my beautiful son. I miss you very much. I will fight hard for JUSTICE for your son !!”
Families of those shot shared other social media messages and launched GoFundMe donation pages.
“My heart is heavy as I try to understand and accept what happened,” wrote Thalia Tovar, daughter of the Unified Homes owner. “Keep us all touched in your prayers, including our beloved (Tamayo) who is still fighting for her life in a critical condition.”
On another GoFundMe page, on behalf of the Raygoza family, it is noted that ‘Gen’ is survived by two young boys, as well as the man, Armando Raygoza.
“Losing your mother at the ages of 4 and 8 is indescribable and losing her in this senseless way will never be a closed story for these wonderful little boys,” writes brother-in-law Alberto Raygoza.
He added that the children love Easter egg hunting, adding: “We are giving the boys the Easter that Gen planned for them as a way to honor her life.”
As of Saturday afternoon, the accounts had received more than 1,750 contributions totaling $ 100,000.
This article originally appeared in the US today: Orange, California, and shooting amok takes 9-year-old son of father