SAN FRANCISCO – People in San Francisco’s Mission District are grieving the loss of an 18-year-old young man who was tragically shot and killed last week.
The victim, Damien Gonzalez, lost his life due to a shooting incident on Harrison Street last Friday. Gonzalez was playing basketball with his friends at the Mission Recreation Center on Harrison Street when he was shot and killed just three days ago.
His mother, Ariana Sanchez, expressed her heartbreak, emphasizing that her son was on the brink of becoming a father and was eagerly anticipating his upcoming baby shower. She condemned the senseless act of violence that took his life, calling it a thoughtless and unnecessary action.
A memorial adorned with candles has been established by the community to honor Damien Gonzalez’s memory. His grandmother, Teresa Santos, remembered him as a cheerful and vibrant individual, always sporting a smile and dressed in his finest clothes.
Supervisor Hillary Ronen, representing The Mission district, voiced her frustration over the recurring violence. She expressed her anger at the loss of young lives and emphasized that mothers should never have to bury their own children.
The San Francisco Police are actively investigating the shooting that occurred around 3 p.m. on Friday. Tragically, Damien Gonzalez succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Roberto Hernandez, a mentor at the Latino Task Force who worked with Sanchez, expressed the community’s resolve to combat such violence and remove guns from the streets.
In the midst of their mourning, the Sanchez family is seeking justice for Damien and also raising funds to support his unborn child’s future.