Community gathers for young man killed in early morning shooting
Mourners hold balloons at a gathering in the memory of Isaiah Valerio
By Garna Mejia, Madison Swenson
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SALT LAKE CITY (KSL) — Friends and family gathered for a vigil in honor of Isaiah Valerio, who was identified by police as the victim in an overnight shooting in downtown Salt Lake City.
Valerio’s family members said Sunday night that blue balloons were a perfect fit for the fun-loving big brother.
“He was a happy person,” said family friend Dulce Hernandez. “He was always there for you. He would always call (and) check up on everybody.”
But instead of celebrating, Valerio’s family is mourning. According to family members, the 21-year-old was at a Halloween party near 500 West and 600 South when a fight broke out. He stepped in to help.
“He was trying to separate the fight and stop the fight, but he’s the one that ended up getting shot,” said Hernandez. “(He was) trying to break up a fight that wasn’t even his fight, trying to be a good person.”
In a press release, Salt Lake City police officials said 911 dispatch received information about the shooting around 1:23 a.m.
Through witness information, police said they identified 20-year-old Roy Anthony Duran as the suspect.
They believe he fled the scene before officers arrived. He was described as having tattoos on his neck below his right ear and on his right arm.
“That kid, he knew what he was doing, and now, he has to pay for the consequences,” said Hernandez.
Hernandez believes Valerio and Duran were strangers to each other.
“No, I don’t think he (knew Duran). I mean, it was a party, a Halloween party, so it was random people there,” she said.
As for Valerio, his family prays that justice will give them peace. “It wasn’t his fault. Isaiah didn’t deserve it,” said Hernandez.
A GoFundMe* account has been set up to help cover funeral expenses.
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