Coronado Victims Laid to Rest

Funeral held for Karen and David Reis in Bakersfield

Funeral services were held Saturday for the brother and sister murdered in Coronado on New Year's Day.

More than a thousand friends and family gathered in their hometown of Bakersfield to say their final goodbyes to David and Karen Reis, who were found dead inside a condo along with two others.

Relatives said it seemed fitting the pair were laid to rest side-by-side because they were inseparable their whole lives.

"They were best friends," said Kim Harper, in an interview with NBC Affiliate KGET TV 17 . Harper was friends with Karen and David for a decade. "You know, they were a year apart and they both pursued different avenues, but when it comes down to it, there's nobody better than your big brother."

Friends from UCSD sang one last cheer for Karen, a former volleyball player and a memorial for her is being organized on the UCSD campus next week.

David was a Navy Pilot and so 40 Patriot Guard Riders escorted them to the cemetery.  The Navy pilot's death in what's been ruled a murder-suicide has rocked the tight-knit community of Naval aviators.

"He was passionate about everything in his life he cared for," said David's friend and former roommate, Chet Fearon. "He was passionate about his country, passionate about his friends, and he was passionate about his family."

Though David had already achieved a lot in his first 25 years of life - becoming an Eagle Scout in Bakersfield, graduating from the University of New Mexico with a degree in mechanical engineering, and nearly completing fighter jet training school - those who knew him best say he was ready to accomplish much, much more.

"All you need to really look at is the direction their lives took before this tragedy, said John Fanucchi, President of Garces High School, from which both David and Karen graduated. "[David] was going to defend our country and protect our country by putting himself in harm's way."

Though much still isn't known, during the week investigators revealed new information about what happened inside the condo on Park Place on New Year’s Eve.

Karen and David, both 25-years-old, were found dead along with Navy pilot, Bob Reeves, and Matthew Saturley inside a condo in Coronado. Before they were found, earlier in the night part of the group went to Altitude Sky Lounge in the Gaslamp district on New Year’s Eve and were joined by an acquaintance, according to Capt. Duncan Fraser.

Just after midnight, they left the nightclub with an unidentified acquaintance, Capt. Fraser said.
Once they arrived at the condo, Reeves was the first to go inside. Karen Reis and Saturley went inside next, Capt. Fraser said.

David Reis and the acquaintance stayed outside.

David Reis went inside after hearing gunshots, Capt. Fraser said. The acquaintance heard more gunshots and ran to call 911.

David Reis, his sister Karen, Saturley and Reeves never made it out alive.

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