KISSIMMEE, Fla. — In the serene setting of Mark Durbin Community Park, a crowd gathered Sunday to remember Justin De Los Santos, a 20-year-old whose life was tragically cut short in a shooting incident in nearby Orlando. The park, a favored skateboarding spot of De Los Santos, served as a poignant backdrop for the vigil, highlighting his love for the sport.
Veronica Mello, De Los Santos’ girlfriend, shared her grief with those assembled. Her last communication from De Los Santos was a simple yet profound message expressing his love. Within a mere 20 minutes of that text, his life ended abruptly. Reflecting on the tragedy, Mello emphasized her disbelief over the randomness of the incident, dismissing any notion that it was a targeted attack.
Authorities in Orlando are diligently pursuing the assailant, who fled the scene after an altercation with De Los Santos that led to the shooting. The incident occurred around midnight on Saturday along Colonial Drive near Mills Avenue.
Addressing the attacker through her grief, Mello expressed her horror and incomprehension at the lack of remorse shown by the person responsible. She recounted the moments before the tragedy, describing how a typical night out turned into a nightmare. De Los Santos had left a party they attended slightly earlier, a decision that unknowingly marked their final farewell.
Friends and family remembered De Los Santos not only for his love of skateboarding but also for his artistic talents, which included writing and drawing. He was also deeply involved in music, performing under the stage name “Fuegoboof.” His passion for music was evident in his excitement about the release of his new project, “Moth,” which he had eagerly anticipated sharing with the world.
In her moving tribute, Mello urged people to listen to his music, hoping it would resonate and help keep his memory alive. To further honor De Los Santos’ legacy, his family and friends are committed to promoting his creative work across various platforms.
Additionally, a fundraiser has been established to assist with funeral expenses, drawing support from across the community. This collective effort underscores the impact De Los Santos had on those around him and the shared commitment to preserving his memory through the arts he loved.
The loss of such a young, promising life has deeply affected the community, leaving friends, family, and loved ones in mourning and seeking justice for De Los Santos. As the investigation continues, the hope remains that closure will come, and with it, a measure of peace for all touched by this tragedy.