x
Breaking News
More () »

Family of teen shot, killed at El Cajon party speaks out

Two teens, ages 16 and 18, were murdered in a targeted ambush Saturday night in the 700 block of Mahogany Drive.

EL CAJON, Calif. — The family of a teen-aged boy who was shot and killed, along with another teenager, at a weekend party in El Cajon is speaking out about gun violence.

The boy's mother and aunt attended a prayer vigil Wednesday night at the site where the double murder took place.

Dayshan Thomas, 16, was shot late Saturday night outside the party in the 700 block of Mahogany Drive. Officials have not publicly named the other victim, age 18.

Dayshan's mother — currently battling cancer — was too broken up to speak on camera. The boy's aunt remembered her nephew as a loving person.

“He was the type of kid that gives foot rubs and back rubs to mom,” said Jennifer Way, the boy’s aunt.

“We need justice. My nephew is a 16-year-old, innocent victim that deserves justice. Think about it, if it's your sister, your cousin, your brother, your mother, whoever it may be, please, you would want them to have the closure and the justice they deserve and you as a family deserve,” said Way.

Cell phone video captured the moments immediately following the shooting.

Both teenagers were shot on the street outside the party, which was taking place at an Airbnb rental house, according to the El Cajon Police Department.

“They were trying to live a normal lifestyle and having a little bit of joy in it. And it's senselessly taken by gun violence,” said Way.

A neighbor showed CBS 8 surveillance video showing multiple suspects in black ski masks walking past the house before the shooting, then opening fire on the teenagers, and running away toward a vehicle parked nearby.

One gunman then returned to the scene of the crime and is seen on surveillance video shooting the 18-year-old again in the street.

Detectives obtained the video and asked the neighbor not to release it to the media. Officers took measurements and photos of bullet holes in the walls of neighboring houses.

Credit: Family photo

El Cajon police put out a news release saying the attack was gang related, which the family of the victim objected to.

“My nephew was not no gang member. He is not a documented gang member. You don't have him running the streets causing mischief and trouble. He was not that,” said Way.

Regardless of the motive, 5-year-old Aiden just wants his cousin back. 

“I really miss my cousin and I really love him,” the boy said during the vigil.

The family has set up a GoFundMe account to help pay for funeral expenses.

If you have any information about the shooting or the suspects involved, contact the El Cajon Police Department.

WATCH RELATED: Surveillance video shows shooting at Otay Ranch Town Center that left 4 injured

Before You Leave, Check This Out