Mauricio Reyes-Cruz, 21
January 27, 2008 | 12:54
pm
Mauricio Reyes-Cruz, 21, a Latino man, was shot and killed in the 1200 block of West Anaheim Street at about 1:10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 27. According to Officer Norma Eisenman of the Los Angeles Police Department's media relations office, Reyes and his brother were eating at a taco truck when two Latino men approached them. An argument between Reyes and one of the men followed and shots were fired. Officers with LAPD's Harbor Division were dispatched to the location and discovered Reyes and his brother with multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics declared Reyes dead at the scene. His brother was taken to a local hospital, where he remained in stable condition. The suspects fled in a white Chevy Astro van, said Eisenman.
I knew Mauricio, I went to middle & highschool with him & I also worked with him at Home Depot. He was a real chill dude, he wasn't the argumentative type, but he wasn't the one to back down either. I just saw him about 3 weeks ago at my job.....I can't belive this.....he was a good person.
Posted by: Belinda Mitchell | January 27, 2008 at 06:28 PM
I worked with Mauricio Reyes. Sometimes we would be work the same shift. I often ran into him in our break room along with others, where we always compared & on occasion shared our homemade lunches. He was always making everyone smile & laugh. I am in shock to hear that he was taken from us so suddenly. I will remember Mauricio, allowing the 21 years of his life to define him, rather than the final few moments of his tragic death. He was in our presence for a moment but in our hearts forever. My thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends during this difficult time.
Posted by: Araseli Fabian-Vega | January 28, 2008 at 05:57 AM
We did not know Mauricio, but we know his brother very well. We are his family in Va. and are very heartbroke by this tragic event. We are all praying for the family and friends there in Ca. and hope for a full recovery and for the suspects to be caught and taken into custody. Reyes is a wonderful friend, a hard worker, a great uncle, and would do anything for anyone. This is a senseless crime, he just got back from a military cruise fighting for our country's freedom. I just cannot believe someone would do something like this. He was just enjoying his last night of leave with his brother. WE SEND ALL OF OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Shelly Hosler | January 28, 2008 at 08:12 AM
It's hard to know that a life has been taken away. I knew Mauricio briefly. He always came around with such a good sense of humor and always with a smile. Its hard to think that a simple dispute can end a man's life. I am very sad to know that he will no longer be here. Mauricio is an awesome guy who will never be forgotten. This is not a goodbye but a simple farewell.
Posted by: Gaby Juarez | January 28, 2008 at 02:59 PM
Mauricio Reyes was a good friend of mine. I worked with Mauricio at torrance home depot. He was a good worker and well respected employee. Mauricio will be missed! My heart goes out to the Reyes family.
Posted by: Alfonso Andrade | January 28, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Okay, someone out there needs to explain how a argument turns to a homicide. Come-on, those of you who knew him must explain to this outsider how this young life becomes ensnarled within the wicked actions of others at a taco stand. How does eating a meal at a taco stand become murderous for not only these people but the patrons on the street passing by or the people reading this blog. HOW DID WE GET TO THIS PLACE? What did this young man do to deserve this or was this random? Please, please answer because I can't stand this random Johnnie walk-up murders without any understanding why? Atleast I could know he was not innocent and was involved with things that are far beyond the normal safety factor.
Posted by: A Fan of the representative from California - Jill | January 28, 2008 at 07:52 PM
Hey bro, it's hard to believe we wont see you anymore at work. You always asked me "how's the fishing?" and we'd say someday we'll go together.
Guess you never know how short or precious life can be.
The next time I go fishing , the first fish is for you.
God Bless.
Posted by: mark smolak | January 28, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Mauro was more than a co-worker to me. He was a true friend. A friend I could talk to about whatever and he would listen. Always with a smile and willing to help, Mauro made people laugh and his presence alone livened any room. Why this tragic event took place only god knows. The fact that Mauro will not be around anymore will be hard for a lot of us to accept. To all who knew him, keep your heads up and remember that people die when you forget them. I know he will never be forgotten by the people whos life he touched. I am honored and privileged to have had him as a friend and i know when I leave this world, Mauro will be one of the people waiting for me at them pearly gates. So for me its not goodbye, its see you later bro. Nos vemos alrato! To the family, keep your heads up. Be strong and remember that he would want us to remember his life and not his death. Much love and my prayers are with all of you.
Posted by: Mario Morales | January 29, 2008 at 10:39 AM
my heart goes to all for this loss of a wonderful person didnt get to know him only the good words my husband his uncle has told me... my heart and prayers go the family!! hope for a full recovery for the the reyes brother we will also be praying for him and can only hope for the best all our love enrique and amy
Posted by: enrique&amy reyes | January 29, 2008 at 02:26 PM
I can't believe I wont see you at work any longer. You truly were, no are one of the good guys I've had the pleasure to meet. The next time I go fishing the first cast is for you. Wish we could've made that trip we spoke of. God Bless.
Posted by: mark smolak | January 29, 2008 at 06:14 PM
i never met you but im your cusin from Reno son of your uncle eduardo. WE WILL PRAY FOR YOU AND WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. with much love may you R.I.P.
Esgardo Reyes
Posted by: Esgardo Reyes | January 29, 2008 at 08:33 PM
You are a part of our family....I'm going to miss you everyday when you would swing bye my house hang out by my garage, listen to music, party and I when you were sad you would just park and stay in your truck by yourself, thats when I knew you had a hard day. I would come out and hear you out:-) You will always be remembered expecially your laugh and the sound of your truck when you will pull up!!!! I thank god to have meet you cuase you were very respectful and you always took care of my home and family. I know the other side of you that alot of poeple probably have never seen....I'm glad you trusted me. Your family and bother which you loved soo much will continue to carry the love we have for you. I still have not excepted reality of what happen.... life is not fair. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED MIJO.....we will meet again.
GOD BLESS LA FAMILA "REYES" AND GIVE THEN THE STRENGH TO CONTINUE WITH THIS CRAZY LIFE WERE LIVING IN!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Family Martinez | January 30, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Our Hearts go out to the Reyes Family.
Your son Mauricio will be missed. It is a shame that such a thoughtless act can rob so many people of the life of someone cared for by so many. He will remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
Our best wishes and prayers for a fast recovery for his brother.
We send our Love and Thoughts.
Posted by: Joe Marshall and Cynthia Handy | January 30, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Mauricio was a cool person too work with whenever you needed him he was there. I remember one time I was having a bad day & He said don't sweat the small "stuff". He always made my day better with his jokes, thats how I'm going too remember him... YOU will b missed!!!! :( Rest in peace my friend, lots of love too you and your family.
Posted by: Shannon Wright | January 30, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Once in a long time a person comes along that makes a good impact on your life. Mauro is one of those people. He looks at life, and does the very best with it even when the times were bad. I only knew him for 2 years, but in that short amount of time, he became a real honest to god great homie. He never hesitated to let you know if you were messing up and like me, he didn’t beat around the bush. He is a straight up kind of guy that always had a smile and was ready to help anyone at any time. People like him are rare and few. For whatever reason, this young man was taken away and the void he leaves can’t be replaced. But like I said in my earlier comment, Mauro will not be forgotten. He can’t! People like him have this thing about them where you can’t forget them because they impacted so many lives it’s dumb to think he can be forgotten. Only those who didn’t really know him can forget this guy. As for me, the homie will always ride wherever I ride. Have a drink whenever I have a drink, and I know he’ll be looking over everyone whose life he touched. Rest In Peace big homie! Have that bottle of PATRON ready because I’ll be bringing the glasses. You’ll be missed but not forgotten. Much love and respect brotha! I’m honored and privileged to say you are my friend. And even after death, you are and will always be my homie!
Posted by: Mario Morales | January 31, 2008 at 01:03 PM
What a senseless and cowardly act. How can someone enjoy there life when a Coward can just walk up and take it for no reason. Why does this happen? If you are so brave enough to take someones life. Then stop hiding and come out of the shadows of cowardness and show yourself. Stop hiding and step up you coward. You can shoot someone but you ain't brave enough to stay and face the consequences of your actions. What a B----!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!When will people be afraid of doing horrific crimes such as this one. I don't thing a lengthy prison sentence is the question. I believe the lord forgives but he does not forget. Death to all these cowards. And may God bless the family in this time of great need.
Posted by: Cesar | February 03, 2008 at 08:54 PM
"A Fan of the representative from California - Jill" Wanted to know why senseless acts of violence like this occur.. It all boils down to cowardess. People don't fight anymore. They pull out knifes and guns and sort there differences out that way. No one wants to man up anymore. Bunch of cowards can take a life for nothing instead of taking a beatdown.
Posted by: G | February 04, 2008 at 09:42 PM
MARTIAL I WILL MISS YOU DEEPLY, FOREVER IN MY YOU WILL STAY. THANKS FOR THE GOOD TIMES THAT WE SHARED.
Posted by: JESSICA LOPEZ | February 06, 2008 at 01:05 PM
This is so hard to belive.... i cant believe Mauricio's life would be taken away like this, All of us who knew him know he was this type of guy who cared about all his homies he was always there for who ever needed him. i never tought you were going to be taken away from us this soon, but i know that your spirit is still here and your still looking out for us. You had this amazing sense of humor and you had a great heart. Send us strenght to go through such hard time and give us understanding, because we are so furious with the people who did this to you who didn't even know you. They might escape from human justice but they WONT escape God's justice he will be enchargesd to make them pay for what they did to you. WE WILL MISS YOU!!!
Posted by: Susie | February 07, 2008 at 02:44 PM
i worked with mauricio at the torrance home depot. he was a great guy. i told him if i ever become rich and famous i wanted him as my bodyguard. and now he is my body guard from up above. dude im going to miss you. our lord jesus christ will take care of you and your family much love and respect. rip. noel
Posted by: noel roxas | February 08, 2008 at 12:38 PM
MAURICIO WAS THE MOST HONEST, PERSON WE (ME AND MY SISTER) KNEW. HE WAS SO KOOL AND FUNNY HE WOULD ALWAYS PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE IF YOU WERE DOWN, I REMEMBER ALL THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD WITH HIM. I STILL CANT BELIEVE HIS GONE... REST IN PEACE "HOMIE" YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS. YOU WONT BE EASY TO FORGET...
Posted by: ANA A. | February 11, 2008 at 05:22 PM
THERE ISNT ONE DAY THAT GOES BY THAT I DONT THINK OF YOU. I KEEP THINKING OF THAT NIGHT, I WAS SUPPOSE TO BE THERE, BUT FOR SOME REASON I HAD A SECOND THOUGHT OF GOING TO EAT TACOS ON A RAINY NIGHT. I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT IF I WOULD OF BEEN THERE THAT NIGHT, YOU WOULD STILL BE HERE, BY OUR SIDES, I KNOW I WOULD OF PERVENTED THIS FROM HAPPENING, BECAUSE EVERYTIME YOU WOULD SEE ME, YOU WOULD ALWAYS DROP EVERYTHING U WERE DOING AND COME GIVE ME KISS AND HUG TO SAY "HI". IM NEVER GONNA FORGET THE DAY YOU AND RICARDO STOOD UP FOR ME AT MIGUELS VIEWING, BUT WHAT BREAKS ME APART IS THAT I WASNT THERE TO STAND UP FOR YOU THAT NIGHT. IM VERY SORRY, AND I REALLY MISS YOU. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART AND PRAYERS, I'LL SEE U AGAIN.
MUCH LOVE ERICA G.
Posted by: ERICA GONZALEZ | April 02, 2008 at 04:04 PM
I personally did not know Mauricio but I know his brother Modesto. His brother made a great impact on his life and from what I read from the comments posted he was a great man he always use to make his brother laugh he was very close to Modesto. My heart goes out to his family. Modesto if you were to read my comment aside from our differences regardless I know is hard for you right now because I see the pain in your eyes just know if you ever, ever need to talk about this I will be here for you. Your brother played a big role in your life before you left to California I remember you always happy and cheerful what happen to that modesto... I know a part of you died, but if your brother was as cheerful as his friends have said then I can almost count on it that he would want to see you laugh and cheerful again I know is hard but you will make it through don't give up. Chris
Posted by: Cristina Martinez | April 11, 2008 at 11:29 AM
I LUV U HOMIE AND I MISS U! SEE U WHEN I GET THERE - L.itt
Posted by: Slugger | April 15, 2008 at 10:48 PM
its been so long since we lost the homie. Just wanted to remind people that hes still riding when i'm riding, and still dinking when i'm drinking. Rest in peace Big Mauro. We still miss you...........
Posted by: Mario Morales | May 21, 2009 at 01:15 PM