MESA, AZ — A Mesa father is pleading for help after losing his 1-year-old son in a drive-by shooting last week.
Gerardo Duran couldn’t help but smile remembering his son, baby Sebastian. He says one of the many things he will miss about his baby boy is seeing him playing inside the kitchen cabinets.
“He was a great baby, full of love.”
Sebastian died of gunshot injuries at a Mesa hospital on Sunday. Sebastian, two of his siblings, and four others were shot while at a food truck event in a parking lot near Guadalupe and Dobson roads on Friday night.
For Gerardo Duran, it still feels surreal.
“I never imagined that it was as bad. I thought it was just a scare, but no.”
He says his wife had taken three of their kids to dinner, but now that night has turned into his worst nightmare.
“We want justice for my family, for what happened to us,” expressed Duran.
Mesa police are now offering a $20,000 reward for any information on the suspect or suspects.
According to police, the suspect or suspects were in a white vehicle, possibly a white or silver Kia Soul or box-type vehicle when they opened fire. Police confirmed Thursday morning that a vehicle matching that description was found and a search warrant related to the shooting was served at a residence near 7th and Southern avenues in Phoenix late Wednesday night.
For the Duran family, no reward could ever bring back baby Sebastian, but justice is needed.
“We need the community’s help. If someone saw what happened and has any information about the car and the person who did this, please say something and call the police,” said Duran.
This father asks to please have some compassion and do it for his family, for his baby, whose life was cut short.
Police are asking if you have any information about the shooting to call 480-WITNESS or contact the Mesa Police Department at 480-644-2211. Any information you provide can remain anonymous.
Gerardo was the only one working in the family, and they still don’t have enough for the funeral services. If you would like to help them, please visit the family's GoFundMe page.
