Juan de Dios Velázquez, 77, was killed in the mass shooting at the El Paso Walmart on August 3, 2019. He and his wife, Nicolasa, had recently moved to El Paso to retire and were devoted grandparents to 14 grandchildren. The couple had just pulled into the parking lot to make a quick return before meeting a granddaughter when gunfire began; Nicolasa described the blast as sounding like a bomb.

Velázquez was shot in the back while trying to shield his wife. He was taken to hospital and died of his injuries on August 5, 2019. The attack killed 22 people and injured 25 others; the shooter was identified as Patrick Crusius, who was arrested and charged with capital murder and whose stated motive targeted Mexicans. Velázquez’s family remembered him as a hard worker who respected his community and hoped the tragedy would strengthen and unify people.

If anyone knew Juan de Dios Velázquez or has information about his life in El Paso, please share memories or details that might help honor his memory.