Zay’s parents said he was playing basketball with his 15-year-old cousin when someone shot them.
LONGMONT, Colo. — Dozens of people gathered at a park Sunday to remember Zay, 13, who died after police say he was shot near a basketball court in Longmont on Saturday.
Zay’s parents told 9NEWS that their son was playing basketball with his 15-year-old cousin when someone walked by and shot them.
Police said the shooting happened just before 1:50 p.m. near a basketball court at Kensington Street and St. Clair Avenue.
Longmont police arrested Yahir Solis, 19, of Lafayette, on charges of murder and attempted murder. Zay’s parents said they didn’t know him.
Zay was taken to the hospital and died. His 15-year-old cousin was shot in the leg. He is now out of the hospital and, using crutches, attended a vigil in the park with friends and family on Sunday.
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There is a growing monument next to the basketball court.
Amanda Lopez didn’t know Zay, but stopped by to pay her respects and offer comfort to her parents.
“That’s what breaks my heart too,” he said. “Children cannot feel safe.”
Zay’s grandmother brought a couple who live across the street to the vigil. She told the crowd that they comforted and held Zay and his cousin until the doctors arrived. Zay’s grandmother thanked them for showing her love in her last moments.
This tragedy is difficult for many to understand, including 60-year-old Canelario Contreres.
“What’s wrong?” he said. “They were playing”.
“My heart goes out to the family, his mother and his father,” Contreres said.
Zay’s father told 9NEWS that his son had just finished his first week of high school. He said that Zay’s 14th birthday would have been on August 30. Invitations to her party had just been sent out.
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