The family of a teenager who was shot multiple times while sitting in his car in a National City parking lot three years ago held a candlelight vigil in his honor Thursday, marking three years since his slaying.
Juan Carlos Munoz, Jr., was shot and killed on October 11, 2015, while he and a friend were sitting in a car on Prospect Street in National City.
It was just before 8 p.m. when a gray or silver four-door Nissan Altima pulled up next to the teenagers.
The passenger in the Altima got out, walked to Munoz in the driver's seat and asked where they were from, police said.
The suspect then pulled out a handgun and fired five rounds into the vehicle.
Four struck Munoz in his left shoulder, and one hit the passenger in his left thigh, according to police. The two men in the Altima then drove off eastbound on E. 16th Street.
Munoz died from his wounds and his killer has never been found.
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His parents led Thursday's vigil with friends and family members by their side. They shared stories, talking about the kid he was and the man he could've grown up to be.
"Junior was a real loving kid. He had a big heart," his mother Elizabeth said. His family told NBC 7 he had plans to study psychology after his graduating from Montgomery High School, a milestone he never got to experience.
Elizabeth says she writes sad thoughts every day to help cope with the tragedy. For Munoz' father, Juan Carlos Sr., the hope of justice is what keeps him going.
"Every day we wake up, the only thing on our mind is that we want justice," he said.
San Diego County Crimestoppers has released the following description of the shooter: A man in his 20s with a husky build and shaved head. The Altima is described as an early to late 2000's, 4-door model.
The vigil to remember Munoz is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the corner of 16th and Prospect streets in National City.
There is a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case. Contact the National City Police Department at (619) 336-4411 or CrimeStoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477.
