Hundreds Gather At Vigil To Demand Justice For Youth Pastor Shot In Pomona
POMONA (CBSLA.com) — Hundreds gathered at a Pomona intersection Tuesday for an emotional vigil in memory of youth pastor Daniel Diaz, who was shot and killed in his car early Monday morning after attending a church party.
Diaz, a 33-year-old youth pastor at New Beginning Community Ministry in Baldwin Park, was killed at the corner of South Park Avenue and Mayfair Street in Pomona just hours after community leaders held a prayer rally calling for an end to gun violence in the city, where 25 killings have taken place this year.
"I heard loud bangs and the broken glass and at that point I realized we're getting shot at," said friend Eddie Reyes, who was in the car with 33-year-old Diaz driving from a church party with two younger passengers when gunfire rang out. Diaz was the only one struck.
"I just saw him fighting for his life, gasping his last breath," said Reyes, who said he tried to help his friend before emergency services responded. Diaz was taken to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, where he died shortly after 1 a.m.
"To the person who did this, if I could see you face to face, I would tell you that God loves you," said Diaz's mother, who attended the vigil with her husband David Diaz, also a pastor. "And if you knew my son, my son would have loved you."
A motive has not been released and the police have no suspects. Anyone with information is asked to call the Pomona Police Department's Detective Bureau at (909) 620-2085. Those with anonymous tips should contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
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