SALINAS, Calif. -- Laurel Pocket Park Re-named After 6 Year-Old Boy Shot and Killed. In March of 2010 a 6 year-old boy was at home with his family when a stray bullet flew through his kitchen, hitting him in the head. Rescue crews tried to save him, but it was too late. An innocent child, cut down by gang violence. On Sunday the park next to the apartment complex where he lived was re-named in his honor.
Azahel, just 6 years old, was throwing away a popsicle stick in his parents kitchen when a bullet flew through the fence in his backyard. Officers believe the intended target for that bullet was a rival gang member.
To this day, no one has been arrested in this tragic killing. Police increased their raids and sweeps of gangs, in an attempt to keep our children safer.
Now the Laurel Pocket Park will be named in honor and memoriam of Azahel. It was a day full of emotion. Azahel's parents wept while neighbors and friends talked about how much they missed him.
His parents were too distraught to go on camera and were only able to say a few words during the ceremony. They thanked the community members who helped re-name the park in memory of their son.
Dozens of people showed up, including anti-violence groups who have worked with the family since Azahel was killed. Deborah Aguilar from A Time for Grieving said this kind of violence hits too close to home, and hates to see another mother mourn the loss of their child. "I know she would rather have her son in her arms right now. To see him playing in this park on the swings, on the slides than have a sign," said Aguilar.
Now a sign is all that's left of Azahel. In his favorite park he used to play in. Azahel's soccer team also showed up after hosting a charity game in memory of their lost teammate.
By rededicating this park to the small boy who was shot and killed, community members are hoping that this sends a very strong message that violence in Salinas needs to stop. They want the community to band together against these type of killings. "It wasn't meant for him. It was still a stray bullet and its still murder. It's just a baby he's just a baby," said Aguilar.
Now city officials and community members are hoping the memorial of Azahel will bring some closure. "Somebody saw and somebody knows. Hopefully after this today they will speak up and say something," said Aguilar.
Salinas City Council Member Gloria De La Rosa was one of the people who spear-headed the project to get the park renamed. She's also hopeful someone will come forward with more information on who killed Azahel. "We have various phone numbers and antonymous tip lines because the killer is out there in out community," said De La Rosa.
The City of Salinas plans to maintain the park and add extra fencing to parts of the park that have fallen apart. Azahels family is also going to plant flowers in front of the sign in memory of their son.
