Candlelight Vigil Planned In Memory Of Oak Forest Shooting Victims

OAK FOREST, IL — A candlelight vigil in memory of the victims of Friday's shooting in Oak Forest is planned for Monday evening.

The gathering will honor the memories of 43-year-old Lupe Gomez, 20-year-old Emilio Rodriguez, and 22-year-old Briana Rodriguez. The three family members were killed Friday morning outside their home on Ann Marie Lane. The vigil will take place Monday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m., at the gazebo near Oak Forest City Hall, 15440 S. Central Ave.

The vigil is being planned by Gabriela Yanina, an Oak Forest resident who works to spread awareness of domestic violence. Those attending the gathering will receive purple candles in recognition of domestic violence awareness. Candles will be supplied, but attendees may bring their own, as well. It's requested that all candles be purple in recognition of the cause.

Yanina did not know the victims, she said, but feels compelled to bring her community together, and also recognize the need to increase awareness of domestic violence.

"I wouldn't feel right not doing anything for these victims since I live in this community," Yanina told Patch.

Yanina currently works for Family Rescue in Chicago, an organization dedicated to domestic violence awareness and support of victims.

"My goal is to also spread awareness in this town since this is not the first time," Yanina told Patch.

Yanina reminds all that there is support available for domestic violence victims available at The National Domestic Violence hotline, 800-799-7233.