Luis Garcia was a 16-year-old junior at Denver’s East High School and a devoted soccer player who wore the number 11. On the afternoon of February 13, 2023, after dropping his cousin off, he was sitting in his car on the City Park Esplanade just outside the school when shots were fired from another vehicle. Struck in the head, he was taken to hospital, placed on life support, and died a few weeks later.

His family — parents Santos Garcia and Criselda Bobadilla, an older brother, and a sister — describe him as the happiness of their home. The Denver Police Department opened an active investigation; no arrests have been announced. A police report referenced in the family’s lawsuit points to a juvenile who was arrested the same day while driving a stolen car witnesses said had been at the intersection at the time.

The family filed a wrongful death suit against Denver Public Schools, arguing removal of armed officers from campuses weakened security; a judge dismissed the claim on the ground the shooting did not occur on school property and the family plans to appeal. If anyone knew Luis, his movements that afternoon, or saw a vehicle leaving City Park Esplanade around the time of the shooting, please share what was seen with investigators.