PHOENIX — A mother is searching for answers after her 18-year-old son was shot and killed on Christmas morning.
Tyler Cardiel, 18, wasshot and killed near 83rd Avenue and Glenrosa. He was walking home after working the night shift at Circle K near 83rd Avenue and Camelback Road.
"I hate the world right now because my child is gone, and I don’t know what happened and I don’t know who killed him. On Christmas day," said Monique Cardiel, Tyler's mom.
The Cardiel Family opens presents at midnight on Christmas Day, and Cardiel was already upset that Tyler had to work overnight, missing the family tradition.
Tyler Cardiel, 18, was shot and killed Christmas Day with no leads. He was walking home after working the night shift to open presents with his family.
— Adam Waltz (@Adam_Waltz) December 28, 2020
His story tonight at 10pm on @abc15 pic.twitter.com/RbEzCOyN4k
"He came in and gave me a hug goodbye and he’s like, 'Mom I’m just going to work,'" said Cardiel. "He doesn’t normally hug me goodbye, but he did because I was crying, and now I'm grateful for that hug because it’s the last time I got to see my son alive."
Phoenix police say the shooter is still unknown and in the community. Cardiel said police told her Tyler was shot in the chest, and that there was a witness, however that's where the information stops.
Tyler leaves behind his mom and 11-year-old brother, Matthew.
"He was a great kid. He wasn’t involved in drugs or alcohol or gangs or any of that. He just stayed home on his Xbox," said Cardiel.
Since his death, Cardiel said the community support has been overwhelming.
"All of sudden all this love from strangers that I don’t even know and his friends. It’s so overwhelming and he left this impact on everyone, not just me," said Cardiel.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help with funeral costs for Tyler.
