Community Rallies For Family Of Girl Shot, Killed By Watsonville Dad

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — The community is rallying to raise money to help the family of a young girl who died after she was allegedly shot by her father before he turned the gun on himself in Capitola last week. Capitola police said Watsonville resident Carlos Garcia, 36, and his 7-year-old daughter were found dead in a car parked at the Capitola Mall on March 19 soon after his wife called 911 to report that he was making suicidal threats from inside their family car.

Santa Cruz County residents, including the Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriffs' Association, have started raising money to help the girl’s family pay for funeral expenses.

Sheriff Jim Hart said via social media, “As the father of four children I can’t imagine the level of grief this family is going through right now. My thoughts and prayers are with the Tapia family and the community. Thank you to our Deputy Sheriff’s Association for stepping up and assisting Yaxtel’s family at a time when they need all of our support.”

The GoFundMe page has garnered $23,871 since it was posted a week ago. Click here to donate.

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Photo courtesy GoFundMe