Family of homicide victim speak out as search continues

OAKRIDGE, CA – The family of 28-year-old Marco Villanueva, a beloved local artist and community volunteer who was fatally shot last week, made an emotional public plea for information on Friday as the search for his killer continues with no arrests made.

“He was the light of our family,” said his younger sister, Sofia Villanueva, her voice trembling as she stood before a bank of news cameras outside the Oakridge Police Department. “He saw beauty in everything and everyone. To have his life stolen from him, from us, in such a violent way… it’s a nightmare we can’t wake up from.”

Marco Villanueva was found by a passerby in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 14th, in Willow Creek Park, a place he often visited for inspiration for his vibrant murals that adorn several buildings in the downtown area. Police have confirmed he died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigators have been tight-lipped about the details of the ongoing investigation, but on Friday, Detective Michael Chen confirmed that they are pursuing several leads. “We are asking for the public’s help. We know there were people in the vicinity of Willow Creek Park late Friday night and early Saturday morning. No piece of information is too small,” Detective Chen stated, urging anyone with information to come forward.

Police have not yet released a description of a suspect or a possible motive, a fact that has left the Villanueva family in an agonizing state of uncertainty.

“Not knowing who did this, or why… it’s a torture,” said his mother, Elena Villanueva, clutching a framed photo of her son. “Was it random? Was he targeted? We just don’t know. We need answers. We need justice for Marco.”

Friends and community members have rallied around the Villanueva family, organizing a candlelight vigil at the park where his body was found. Over two hundred people gathered on Wednesday evening, sharing stories of a young man known for his infectious laugh, his generosity, and his passion for using art to uplift the community.

“Marco was the heart of this neighborhood,” said long-time friend, David Ramirez. “He was always the first to volunteer, whether it was teaching art classes to kids or helping to clean up the park. He believed in this community.”

The family has announced the creation of the “Marco’s Light Foundation” to fund youth arts programs, hoping to turn their tragedy into a force for the positive change Marco championed.

As the investigation moves into its second week, the Villanueva family’s plea is a stark reminder of the human cost of violence. “Please,” Sofia Villanueva said, her eyes welling with tears, “if you know anything, say something. Help us find the person who took our Marco away from us. Help us get justice for my brother.”

Oakridge Police are asking anyone with information regarding the death of Marco Villanueva to contact the homicide division at (555) 247-8211 or to remain anonymous, call Oakridge Crime Stoppers at (555) 247-TIPS. A reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction is being offered.