COLORADO SPRINGS — Mothers of Murdered Youth (MOMY) hosted a candlelight vigil on Thursday for the six victims of the mass shooting at a birthday celebration in Colorado Springs over the weekend.
Colorado Springs Police have identified the six victims as:
- Sandra Ibarra-Perez, 28-years-old
- Jose Ibarra, 26-years-old
- Mayra Ibarra De Perez, 33-years-old
- Melvin Perez, 30-years-old
- Jose Gutierrez, 21-years-old
- Joana Cruz, 52-years-old
On Tuesday, investigators said the senseless tragedy was fueled by domestic violence. The suspect, 28-year-old Teodoro Macias, had been dating Sandra Ibarra for around a year according to police. Macias displayed controlling and jealous behavior toward Ibarra, trying to isolate her from her family.
Mothers of Murdered Youth (MOMY) is a support group for those who have lost loved ones to murder. The founder, Jennifer Romero, lost her own son in a drive-by shooting nearly 25 years ago. She said while the pain numbs, it never fully leaves.
MOMY held a vigil for the victims on Thursday, May 13, at the entrance to the Canterbury Mobile Home Park off of Powers. Some family members of the victims spoke at the vigil.
Those with MOMY said Juan Herrera is the father of three of the victims. He thanked the community for their support from the bottom of his heart.
Maria Herrera also spoke at the vigil. MOMY said she is a grandmother of three of the victims. She said the family feels torn apart, and thanked God they are a family of faith.
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