Six huge photographs wreathed in flowers and garlands lined a downtown street in California’s capital city Wednesday, each with a small memorial of bouquets, candles, and cards on a stretch of sidewalk dedicated to the six people who were gunned down last weekend in a gang dispute that turned into a mass shooting.
Candlelight vigils, somber press conferences, and private moments between friends and family members have been held this week as Sacramento’s downtown community struggled to comprehend the tragedy.
The violence erupted early Sunday when two groups of men connected to gangs began shooting as bars and clubs emptied out at the closing time, police said. At least five gunmen sent dozens of rapid-fire gunshots into the streets and patrons fled in terror.
Six people were killed and 12 more suffered gunshot wounds, including two brothers who have been arrested in connection with the massacre. At least two people were still hospitalized on Wednesday.
The Sacramento County coroner identified the six people slain as Johntaya Alexander, 21; Melinda Davis, 57; Yamile Martinez-Andrade, 21; Sergio Harris, 38; Joshua Hoye-Lucchesi, 32; and De’vazia Turner, 29.
Police on Wednesday said evidence shows at least five people opened fire in what officials called a gang-related shootout, but have not specified which gangs. Authorities have arrested the two brothers in connection with the shooting but have not disclosed their alleged roles. No one has been charged with homicide.
READ ALSO:
