SAN PEDRO, Calif. – Recently, the community of Wilmington, California, suffered a devastating loss when Jose Quezada Jr., known as “Coach,” was fatally shot while helping to organize a public event. Quezada was a beloved figure in the community, known for his dedication to keeping kids away from gangs and his work with local sports teams.
Quezada left behind a legacy of volunteerism and mentoring, spending nearly 30 years coaching basketball and baseball in Wilmington. He strongly believed in the power of sports to steer children in the right direction and away from gang involvement. Additionally, he devoted his free time to mentoring and fundraising for those in need, reflecting his deep commitment to his community.
The senseless act of violence that took Quezada’s life has left his family and the community reeling, particularly as the case remained unsolved for months. However, there is now some closure as the Los Angeles Police Department has announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with Quezada’s murder.
The suspects, Sergio Esteban and Estevan Hernandez, both residents of San Pedro, have been charged with murder and face the possibility of spending 35 years to life in prison if convicted. Despite the arrests, the motive for the crime remains unclear, leaving lingering questions about why such a beloved and dedicated member of the community was targeted.
The impact of Quezada’s tragic death reaches far beyond his immediate family, as evidenced by the outpouring of grief and support from law enforcement officials, leaders, and members of the community. His wife, Sandy DeLaMora, bravely spoke out, demanding answers and condemning the cowardliness of the perpetrators who snatched her husband away from their family and community.
As the community continues to grapple with the loss of “Coach,” this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of gun violence in American neighborhoods. The heart-wrenching reality is that many families, like Quezada’s, endure the pain of losing loved ones to senseless acts of violence without ever seeing justice served.
The lasting impact of Quezada’s legacy and the ripple effect of his death underscore the urgent need for meaningful action to address the root causes of gun violence and support the communities impacted by these tragedies. As the community mourns the loss of a dedicated mentor and activist, there is a renewed call for justice and for an end to the cycle of violence that has taken the lives of individuals working tirelessly to make their communities safer and more vibrant.