Neighbors in Bonita Springs hold vigil for murder victims

On Saturday, people in Bonita Springs held a vigil to remember and honor victims of crimes who were murdered in cold blood.

One of them—Destiny Bocanegra—died just last month while she was pregnant.

Event organizers say they’re trying to put an end to all of they violence they see on the streets of Bonita Springs. The most recent example is Bocanegra.

The 25-year-old was killed in the area of Matheson Avenue and Goodwin Street a month ago while her 5-year-old son stood just feet away from her.

“I really believe it’s a pattern. And somebody’s gotta stand up to it. I’ve been here for 30 years and it’s a cycle that happens every 10 years,” said Abel Cuellar, a pastor and the event organizer.

Just a few blocks away, Jordan Valero was shot and killed inside his home back in 2016.

“It was very devastating to the family. We were never expecting to hear anything like that. But it really hurt our family a lot. But we’re still coping. We’re still trying to figure out what went on, what happened,” said Alexandra Guzman, Valero’s cousin.

Now, people are preaching a message they hope can save lives.

“If we can all get on the same page, we can shift this thing. We can break this pattern we’re talking about. It just starts with one person getting the vision that love can conquer,” Cuellar said.

Two people were arrested in connection with Valero’s murder, but Bocanegra’s family says they believe her killer is still on the loose. They’re offering a reward for any information that leads to an arrest.

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