Brawley is a close-knit community, and it always has been. Through a year that brought earthquakes, fires and storms, it has grown even more so, we’d wager.
That sense of togetherness, of community and kinship has been put to the test in a big way with the senseless killing of Brawley teenager Martin Garza, a gregarious, well-liked young student-athlete who died from stab wounds in El Centro over the weekend.
More than 1,000 people, likely from all over the Valley, but primarily Brawley residents, gathered at Warne Field to pay tribute to a young man who was universally lauded for his charm, poise, humor and loving demeanor. People laughed and cried, clutching candles during the vigil that saw his teammates on the Brawley Union High football squad speak of their fallen teammate and family speak of their brother, nephews, son, what have you.
Martin’s mom and dad, and the rest of his family members, friends and loved ones need the support right now, because there is no salve for the victims of a violent crime. It doesn’t make sense and it won’t —- not ever. As the judicial system looks to bring Martin’s killer to justice, a community must stick together, grieve and love one another.
Today, the healing has yet to begin and the pain is still raw, but the community has already begun to rally and raise money for the family, for their funeral expenses and other costs. We think we’ll find that is not necessarily out of need, but out of the want to do something, anything, to help take away the hurt.
That’s what happens in communities affected so profoundly like this: they do any little thing they can to provide comfort, support and some sense of stability in a situation where everything feels like its falling down, on wobbly legs.
There is more to come —- there’s a funeral, likely more vigils, eventually a trial (hopefully) —- and the family will need all of this strength and then some. Brawley is up to the task; the Valley is up to the task.
THE ISSUE:
City celebrates victim of senseless killing.
WE SAY:
Community has seen its share of tragedy, and now must endure more.
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
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