Two boys, aged 15 and 17, died after another teenager involved in an argument with their friend pulled out a gun and shot them to death when they tried to intervene; teen arrested
California – In a deeply disturbing incident in California, an 18-year-old, identified as D. Garcia, has been arrested and charged after opening fire at a crowded party, killing a 15-year-old boy, identified as K. Roldan, and a 17-year-old boy, identified as E. Yanez, who tried to stop a fight between him and their friend. Garcia now faces two counts of first-degree murder, with additional charges related to negligent discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a loaded gun in public.
Authorities say the charges stem from a violent incident on Halloween night that claimed the lives of the two teenagers. Prosecutors revealed in court that Garcia was involved in an argument with another attendee when the two teens stepped in to defuse the situation. Moments later, Garcia pulled out a gun and fatally shot them both. The shooting unfolded at a house party attended by more than 100 people. Witnesses say Garcia had been displaying the firearm tucked into his waistband throughout the evening. Earlier in the night, he allegedly fired into the air during a separate confrontation to intimidate someone. Later, he became involved in a verbal altercation with a different person—a friend of the two victims. According to prosecutors, when Roldan and Yanez attempted to intervene to protect their friend, Garcia responded by shooting both teens.
Officers from the police department were called to the scene around 11:17 p.m. They found both victims suffering from gunshot wounds and immediately began lifesaving efforts. Roldan and Yanez were rushed to a nearby hospital but were pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The incident left the community in shock, with many struggling to understand how an evening of celebration ended in such devastation. Garcia was arrested days later and is currently being held without bail at the detention facility. During his arraignment, he pleaded not guilty to the charges. Along with the murder counts, he faces a special circumstance allegation for committing multiple murders, which could make him eligible for life without parole or the death penalty if convicted.
Prosecutors argued that Garcia’s decision to carry a loaded gun into a party, brandish it openly, and ultimately use it during a fight demonstrates a clear disregard for human life. The deputy district attorney emphasized that the fatal shooting was not an accident but a deliberate act committed during an argument where Garcia was not even directly threatened.
In the wake of the tragedy, families of both victims have set up fundraising pages to help with funeral expenses. Roldan’s memorial is scheduled for November 24, while arrangements for Yanez are still pending. Loved ones described both teens as kind and protective individuals who acted selflessly that night. What was supposed to be a fun event turned into a nightmare that cut short two young lives. Garcia is expected back in court on December 12 as the legal process continues. The police department is urging anyone with information or video from the party to come forward, hoping that additional details can help bring justice and closure to the victims’ families.
