By J. Shadé Quintanilla
This past weekend was tragic for a group of Pasadena mourners. As they gathered to mourn the death of a man who was shot dead on Friday night, they were interrupted by the same gun and gang violence that took away their loved one’s life.
On Sunday night, at a vigil held for Robert Calderon, 27, an argument between gang members erupted in gunfire in the 100 block of West Claremont Street, less than two miles away from the unfortunate shooting of Calderon. As both sides exchanged gunfire, a young woman at the vigil was shot twice. The 20-year-old woman was immediately rushed to the hospital and is currently in stable condition. She suffered injuries to her forearm and stomach.
Police say an unknown group of gang members attacked mourners at the vigil, but they could not determine whether the gunman was after the entire group or a specific person. Due to bullet casings found at the scene of the incident, police say it appears that at least one additional person from the mourners group returned fire.
This shooting came at a tragic time for the group at the vigil. A night meant to spent in remembrance of Calderon, mourners were shaken up by what happened to their friend and the unexpected attack on Sunday night.
“This never would have happened before,” a man near the scene of the vigil shooting told Pasadena Star News. “This wasn’t right.”
Calderon of Altadena was fatally shot on Friday night in a drive-by shooting in the 600 block of North Mentor Avenue. Officers responded to the scene after receiving many reports about several shots in the area. When they arrived, they found him dead with multiple gunshot wounds. Neighbors reported hearing five to six gunshots, but no arguing or tire screeching.
Based on remembrance messages written at his candle memorial and on social media, Calderon has been tied to gang in northwest Pasadena. But, police are unsure about the specifics of his relation to the gang. Some family members of Calderon were also unsure if he was in a gang.
No suspects in both shootings were arrested, and police are still investigating both matters.
