Matt Garcia's family said their final goodbyes to him. While the memorial for the 22-year-old Fairfield City Councilman grows, so does the effort to find his shooter.
"Whoever's responsible, my advice to you is to turn yourself in. We will find you, we will catch you," said Fairfield Police Chief Kenton Rainey.
Police say they have sent at least eight shell casings to the DOJ lab in Sacramento. Investigators are tracking Garcia's every step leading up to his murder on Monday night.
He was shot with a small caliber weapon from 50 yards away while he talked to a female friend in the driveway of her home.
The community is still reeling.
"He's the youngest councilman ever elected and to see him get where he's at, and then to see how it ended that's sad," said Fairfield resident Arthur Restauro.
Governor Schwarzenegger has offered a $50,000 reward leading to an arrest and conviction.
Garcia was born and raised in Fairfield. He was homecoming and prom king at Armijo High School. As a councilman, he wanted to target crime and gangs.
He was interviewed by a Sacramento news crew after his win.
"So why not have somebody young, with fresh ideas step up to the plate and say I can do this job," said Matt Garcia in November 2007.
Rachel Knight Mills voted for him.
"Matt knew our situation in Fairfield to where he could really make a difference," said Knight Mills.
His memorial celebration will be Tuesday at Armijo High School's football field.
Services for Matt Garcia
Prayer service - 7 tonight. Parkway Community Church, 2397 Heath Drive, Fairfield.
Viewing - 5-9 p.m. Monday Sept 8, 2008. Liberty Christian Center, 2641 N. Texas St., Fairfield.
Memorial - 4 p.m. Tuesday September 9, 2008. Armijo High School, 824 Washington St., Fairfield (football field).
Donations to the Matt Garcia Memorial Fund can be made at First Bank, 2407 Waterman Blvd., Fairfield. Proceeds will go toward funeral arrangements and the creation of a public-service charitable foundation in Garcia's name.
Tip Hotlines:
Fairfield Police Department 24hr tip line: (707) 428-7790
Solano County Crimestoppers: (707) 644-7867
