SAN ANTONIO--A public memorial service and community celebration was held Sunday afternoon to honor Rebecca "Veggie" Gonzales, Samvastion "Sammy" Ochoa and Pamela Wenske. The three were killed before their house on Karen Lane was set on fire back on September 14th.
Family and friends gathered at Crockett Park to pay tribute. The celebration included some of Sammy's favorite things including hula hooping.
Staff from the Rape Crisis Center and CASA were on hand to provide information to the public. "We want to spread the word that families are not alone out there, but navigating the system is sometimes quite difficult, " said Suzy Bianchi-Peters, Sammy's grandmother. Sammy had made claims of sexual assault. Bianchi-Peters told us she's waiting for the justice system to hold those responsible for the murders of her daughter and granddaughter. "Right now today is truly the beginning of a long road ahead of us, " added Bianchi-Peters.
The family has set up a special memorial scholarship fund in remembrance of 10-year-old Sammy Ochoa. "For other children who would like to attend Center Stage Academy or the Circle School, schools my grand daughter loved, " added Bianchi-Peters. The memorial scholarship fund will help students with tuition.
The memorial fund has been set up at Broadway bank. Those wishing to donate can stop by any Broadway bank location, the fund is under the "Susanna Bianchi-Peters for the benefit of Rebecca Gonzales and Samvastion Ochoa." All donations will be going towards scholarships and awards for some of Rebecca and Sammy's favorite organizations, including the Circle School, Center Stage Academy, and the Special Olympics Soccer of San Antonio.
