LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Family and friends of Jose Munoz gathered Sunday to remember him one year after his death.
Munoz was 25 years old when he was shot and killed inside an Olive Garden on Outer Loop last February.
Gathered inside the Chestnut Street YMCA on Sunday, his loved ones wore shirts and necklaces in his memory. They also held balloons and posters and posters calling out gun violence.
"Loss of a loved one is never easy but loss of a loved one to a murder is a whole other level of grief," Donna Munoz, Jose's sister-in-law said. "I pray that people learn to come together and realize it doesn't take a gun or knife or any type of violence to solve any issues you may have."
The Munoz family said Jose's death has been felt not only in the United States, but also in Mexico.
"We want to share this day in remembrance with others who have also suffered a loss to a senseless act of violence," Christopher 2X, executive director of Game Changers said.
The family was joined by the families of other murder victims. They all had the same message, hoping to bring awareness to gun violence and the impact it has on families.
"I don't really have many words to say. I mean we are a family unfortunately due to these acts of violence that are put on our relatives," Terri Green said.
Green's son was murdered at 22 years old. The Gwynns, who also attended Sunday afternoon, lost their son to the last homicide of 2019. He was 19 years old.
"As long as we stand together we will get through this," Krista Gwynn said. "Letting everyone know that gun violence is senseless and it needs to stop."
Devonne Briggs, 31, was charged with the murder of Munoz. Police said he intentionally shot Munoz after some sort of dispute. Witnesses said they also heard Briggs shout racial slurs before the shooting.
"For something so senseless like violence that had no reason to happen and was something so stupid as going out to eat and having an argument with someone and now he'll never come home again," Manuel Munoz, Jose's youngest brother said. "It's not just about my brother, but it's about all of these people that are here with us today too. This is the reason we want to bring attention to the situation. So people can go out with their families and spend time without feeling unsafe."
Family members said the trial of Devonne Briggs is expected to start July 14.
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