Car Wash Fundraiser Held To Help Family Of Slain 4-Year-Old Boy
HIGHLAND (CBSLA.com) — Volunteers washed cars and took donations in Highland Sunday to help the family of a 4-year-old who was murdered.
CBS2's Joy Benedict spoke to the volunteers.
There were also kids helping out – neighborhood children perhaps learning about crime and senseless violence way too soon.
One volunteer explained why she was washing cars.
"Because I have two daughters," said Luz-Elena Frano who also helped plan the event.
Franco never even met the Munoz family before the unthinkable happened.
"I couldn't imagine me losing my kid and them having to go through that and needing to help pay for expenses," she said.
Little Daniel Munoz was killed while playing in his grandmother's front yard – just a few blocks from Franco's home.
Across the street, an argument erupted and then there was gunfire. Munoz and his cousins were caught in the crossfire.
"He was just a fun little boy. He loved going to my house and playing on my trampoline," said Luis Tirado, an older cousin.
Tirado was with the little boy's parents when Daniel was gunned down.
"I was at Knott's. His parents took me to celebrate my graduation," Tirado said.
Munoz's parents and grandmother are still too upset to talk – but Tirado says the family is grateful for the out-pouring of concern and love from the community.
"I think it's really amazing what people are doing, gather together, helping out," Tirado said.
In addition to the car wash, a GoFundMe page has also been set up to help with donations.
They're hoping to raise $20,000 to help with expenses – Daniel's father is having trouble going to work while he grieves the loss of his son.
"I know it's not going to alleviate their pain but i just wanted to take some stress of their back," said Franco.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has made two arrests in the murder which is helping the community heal.
" I hope they get what they deserve, because this calls for justice," said Franco.