Adrian Moreno

Today marks the one year anniversary of the death of a dear son, nephew, grandson, friend and wonderful human being. What is a one year memorial anniversary supposed to be like? How do his family and friends honor his memory when his life was taken from him and his murderer is still not known, or in prison?

As the family and friends of Adrian Moreno, who was tragically and unexplainably shot on January 11, 2014 in Fillmore, we have asked ourselves these and many more questions, and will continue to do so for many years to come. We join those parents and families who have lost a loved one to the senseless act of gun violence.

Like these families, however, we must be present for Adrian every day. We do not forget him on holidays, birthdays, vacations, parties, concerts, school night … weekends, or weekdays. Adrian Moreno loved life. As an 18 year old, recent high graduate, he was about to pursue a college career in music production, he was/is a karate brown belt, played baseball, football and ran cross country in college. He was/is the admired and caring oldest brother of a 15 year old sister and a 6 year old brother. Hundreds of friends came to his funeral memorial to pay their respects. He is remembered fondly for his kindness, intelligence and ambition.

Like the many families who have lost a child, we must also ask why this happened and what we can each do to prevent another family from losing their child to gun violence. In 2014 there were over 51,000 incidents in the U.S. involving gun violence, resulting in 12,544 deaths, which include 2,339 teens (12-17) killed or injured.1 Since January 1, 2015 there have been 551 incidents.

Each of us has a responsibility to these teens and adults killed by gun violence to report suspicious behavior to prevent a death before it happens. Like the citizens of Washington who this December, passed initiative 594, which requires criminal background checks on all firearm sales and transfers in the state, including gun shows and the internet, we must purse the same actions in each of our states. We must take to the streets and show our passion for the lives of our children and families, and to show our communities and the world that we care about the fate of our families and society.

This is how we honor our lost sons and daughters. This is what our lost sons and daughters, and those that are alive to remember them would want us to do. On January 11, 2015, we will remember Adrian Moreno for the remarkable person that he was, and will honor him along with all those lives like his which were lost to senseless gun violence. We will let him hear us talk about his acts of kindness, goals, and challenges with friends and family. He will be with us as we eat our meals, laugh, cry, become angry, tired and ultimately end the day exhilaration of another day ahead. He will be with us and we will celebrate his life forever.

A $22,500 reward is being offered for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person (s) responsible for this crime. Rewards funds are generously donated by the City of Fillmore, the law firm of Floyd, Skeren & Kelly, LLP, and the Fillmore Unified School Teacher’s Association.

Or if you would like to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 805-384-4730.

For more information and to make donations please visit www.adrianmatters.com.

http://www.gunviolencearchive.org/tolls/2014