Mother Seeks Answers Following Fatal Shooting of 14-Year-Old Son in Southern California

A San Bernardino mother is grappling with anguish after the tragic loss of her 14-year-old son, who was fatally shot last month.

Denise Gutierrez is desperately seeking answers as to why her only child fell victim to gunfire on the afternoon of March 27.

“It’s every parent’s worst nightmare to experience this,” Gutierrez expressed to KTLA 5’s Jennifer McGraw. “You wouldn’t wish it upon your worst enemy.”

Aydan Rodriguez was at home with his family when they heard commotion in their neighborhood. Numerous calls flooded 9-1-1 dispatch reporting juveniles firing guns in the 1200 block of Acacia Avenue around 3:30 p.m.

Denise recalls Aydan stepping outside their residence to investigate the situation, but he never returned.

“I just can’t comprehend why someone would take another person’s life,” Denise lamented. “That’s why we’re desperate for answers about who could harm my son.”

Gutierrez emphasizes that Aydan was a well-behaved teenager who had no known adversaries. The 14-year-old had a passion for baseball, and his mother affirms that Aydan had never been involved in any legal issues or disciplinary problems at school.

“He was just a child,” Gutierrez mourned. “His 15th birthday was just two months away from the day he passed.”

Gutierrez and her family cling to hope that a witness or member of the community will step forward with pertinent information regarding the shooting.

“We’re pleading for anyone who may have seen something to come forward and help us attain justice for him,” she pleaded. “No child should have their life cut short like this, and no parent should endure this kind of agony.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to support the family during this challenging time.

Individuals with information regarding this tragic incident are urged to reach out to SBPD Homicide Detective T. Montez at 909-384-5762 or Sergeant J. Plummer at 909-384-5613. Additional resources are available online.