Juan Garcia is like many people in his Oceanside neighborhood, still trying to figure out why his brother and three of his friends were innocent victims of a recent shooting at Libby Lake Park.
"They didn't mess with no one, so I don't understand. It's just hard to understand why,” said Garcia.
Two teenagers were killed and another two were injured when gunfire rang out in the neighborhood park around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13.
Edgar Sanchez Rios, 16, and 13-year-old Melanie Virgen were found dead at the scene. Two other teenagers were transported to Palomar Hospital.
Juan Garcia's brother was one of the two injured.
The 17-year-old was shot six times, twice in the head.
He's making progress but has not been able to speak since the shooting and could be partially paralyzed Garcia told NBC 7 San Diego in an exclusive interview.
"I believe that he's going to make. He's a strong guy. He's a really strong guy,” said Garcia.
For the first time, family members are speaking out about the four people accused in the shooting.
Defendants Martin Melendrez, 21, of Vista; Michael Zurita, 19, of Vista and Santo Diaz, 19, and a 17-year-old who will be tried as an adult, face two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
A judge ordered all to be held without bail.
"I forgive those guys for what they did because God is going to take care of them," the victim's brother told NBC 7 San Diego. "There's nothing I can do about it no more."
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Garcia asked us not to use his brother's name because the family is still concerned about his safety.
They say he and the other victims were not gang members. In fact, they say he spent a lot of time with Vista Community Clinic's after-school program Project Reach.
“It was a blow to the program because everyone felt like wow. If he can get shot, anyone can get shot,” said Jimmy Figueroa with Project Reach
Figueroa and the program have helped to set up a fund for Garcia's family to help pay for medical bills.
For those who wish to donate, the information is:
Chase Bank
Acct#2972132043
Libby Lake Garcia Family Aid
