PUEBLO – The mother of a 17-year-old who was shot and killed in Pueblo late Thursday night is speaking to News 5 about her son.
Cathy Tafoya said she is still struggling to understand why her son, Elijah Naranjo is gone.
“It’s so unreal, no mother should have to lose their child like that. You get a call that they need you in the hospital and you never think to walk in and say that your son is dead,” Tafoya said.
Pueblo Police said a teen, who they have not officially identified, was shot at Runyon Lake after a fight between two groups of people. Officers said the suspected shooter is also 17 years old.
“I’m sure he gets caught up with friends, just like any other teenager does. But my son is very responsible,” Tafoya said.
She said her son had dreams of joining the Navy and was expecting a baby with his girlfriend.
“He was waiting for his daughter to be born, he was turning 18 ten days before the baby was due. And he was going to the Navy so he was getting himself prepared for that,” Tafoya said.
The Tafoya family plans to hold a vigil at Bessemer Park tomorrow night at 8:00 p.m. in honor of Elijah.
“He just wanted to be a better person and he was. He was a perfect son. He always says we grew up in the wrong place and he wanted to make it out that place and show everyone that there’s more to it,” Tafoya said.
Police have not determined what charges they will file against the suspected shooter.
