The 21-year-old man who was killed in a shooting Tuesday at a Concord strip mall, California was Tongan man Eric Cavazos, police and relatives said.
Cavazos’ stepfather who is also a Tongan was wounded in the shooting.
A woman by the name Haley Sparks Hadsell, 19, of Martinez was taken into custody, after fleeing the shooting scene at Solano Way and Broadmoor Avenue, Concord police Lt. Mark Robison reportedly said.
The other Tongan suspect Sione ‘Ono’ ‘Amanaki was still at large.
The 21-year-old victim was shot in the head and his body lay underneath a tarp at the mall. The second victim was taken to the hospital, police said.
A law enforcement source said the victims had pulled up in their car and parked outside Payless Cigarettes and that Cavazos was confronted by a man with a rifle.
The two men began struggling over the weapon, and the victim fell to the ground and was shot, the source said.
Concord police scoured the neighbourhood for the assailants and processed the scene for evidence.
Relatives and family tributes on social media to the deceased appeared to show his mother and his step father were both Tongans.
“It’s truly a pity that a Tongan killed a Tongan. Love heaps to you sister Elasi Siokapesi Maile for the distressful situation you have experienced after the death of your son while your husband was in a critical condition. RIL Eric the short time you spent with us in Salt Lake City is unforgettable. Speed recovery Sione Maile”, a relative tribute was shared on Facebook.
“It’s a shame one lost his life and another lost his freedom”, a commenter wrote.
“Love you so much Eric. RIP. It is so heart-breaking to think of your mum Pesi and the difficulties she has gone through”.
