A 14-year-old boy named Benny Gutierrez was tragically shot dead while painting over gang graffiti in a California park. Benny and his friends were in El Dorado Park on Monday night when shots were fired from a car in the parking lot, hitting him once and killing him. Shockingly, his family did not find out about his death until six hours later through social media, leaving them devastated.
Benny’s family described him as a funny, outgoing, and loving boy who adored his sisters. His mother, Rosalie Gutierrez, a single mom and social worker, saw him just an hour before the shooting. The family believes they know who is responsible for Benny’s death, although investigators are still collecting evidence. Benny’s mother had a strong message for her son’s killer, expressing her devastation and determination to seek justice for her son.
Known as a big, football-playing teddy bear, Benny was described as a tough guy on the outside but a scared little kid on the inside. His friends and family gathered each night in the park to honor his memory, emphasizing that despite his appearance, he was just a funny, family-oriented boy. A GoFundMe page was set up to raise funds for Benny’s funeral, highlighting his strength, loyalty, and determination on and off the football field. The fundraiser had already raised over $12,000 by Thursday.
The young boy’s family and community were shocked and heartbroken by the senseless tragedy, with no arrests made in connection with the shooting. Benny’s loved ones continue to mourn his loss and seek justice for his death. His family emphasized that he was just a baby despite his size and appearance, sharing stories of his kindness, humor, and dedication to those he cared about. The community came together to support the family and honor Benny’s memory, highlighting his positive impact and the loss felt by all who knew him.
