Parents Describe Siblings Slain in Coronado

Karen Reis and David Reis were found dead in a Coronado condo on New Year's day

A day after a mother delivered heart wrenching words at a memorial for her daughter, Patty Reis will today attend a military tribute for her son, who was based at MCAS Miramar.

"The earth has lost two wonderful humans and heaven has gained two very spunky saints," said Patty Reis, about her two children who were murdered in a Coronado condo on New Year’s Day.

Karen Reis, 24, her brother, David Reis, 25, and Matthew Saturley, 31, were found slain inside a home on Park Place. Bob Reeves, 25, also a Navy pilot committed suicide inside the home, according to investigators.

Hundreds of people attended an emotional tribute for Karen Reis on Thursday night at UCSD, where the 24-year-old went to school and played on the volleyball team.

David and Karen moved to San Diego for different reasons, where friends say they both strived for excellence. David was an F/A-18 pilot.

"Karen was blessed to have David from the day she was born to the last moments they shared together," said their brother, Mark Reis

Their parents last saw Karen and David during the Christmas holiday. It was the last time the whole family spent time together.

"As I look back now I realize that God let us have this higher level of interaction in December. He knew what was to come," said the victims’ father, Tom Reis.

Family members drove down from Bakersfield to attend the special tribute. On Thursday night, they saw firsthand how much Karen was loved in San Diego and how many lives she touched.

"The best thing about Karen was that she made you feel like she was the most important person in her life when she was with you," said former teammate Janessa Werhane.

Even after college, the former UCSD volleyball captain carried her passion for the game to others as a youth coach.

"She was so good with kids. So vibrant. I would have loved to have her as a coach," said former teammate Lauren Bradley.

She also had an interesting sense of humor.

"She would rollerblade next to your car on the way to a party, because driving just wasn't cool enough and she would wear the rollerblades at the party the entire time,” said another friend, laughing.

Most recently she worked with 10 to 12 year olds at the Genuine Volleyball Club in Carlsbad.
Karen had studied neuroscience at UCSD, had been Rotary Scholar and excelled in academics in high school.

A military tribute is being held Friday for David Reis, who was based at MCAS Miramar.

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