Jessica Corinne Ruehl was 9 years old when she was killed on October 30, 1993, at the Key Largo apartments in El Cajon, California. According to reports, the shooting occurred during a violent outburst by Gordon Neumann, who had reportedly been taunted by neighborhood children; Jessica was struck in the crossfire and died.

Gordon Neumann was arrested and charged in connection with Jessica’s death. The case moved through a high-profile trial that drew community attention; Neumann was ultimately convicted of murder. In the years after the tragedy the community established a small park in Jessica’s memory as a place for reflection.