Crime, Top Stories

Thousand Oaks Massacre: Remembering The Victims

By News & Guts

The shooting at a bar in Thousand Oaks, California has torn families apart. 12 people were killed, another 23 injured. We have learned a lot today about the shooter, but it’s the victims that need to be remembered.

Here are some of their stories:

Ron Helus

ABC reports, “Ventura County Sgt. Ron Helus, a 29-year veteran, was killed in the line of duty, (Sheriff Geoff) Dean said. He was one of the first on the scene and was shot multiple times when he entered the bar, authorities said.

Helus, 54, survived by his wife and son, was looking to retire soon, the sheriff’s office said. Instead, he made “the ultimate sacrifice,” Dean said.”

Cody Coffman (video of his father speaking is above)

CNN writes: Cody had just turned 22, and was in the process of talking to recruiters so he could join the Army, Coffman said. He was also the head umpire for a local baseball league. He touched so many people, his father said.
Cody left behind three brothers under the age of 10. The family is expecting a sister later this month.
“Cody was the big brother that my kids need,” Coffman said. “He was so excited to have his first sister, and now she’ll never know. … Oh Cody, I love you son.”
Jason Meek

Yahoo says: Justin Meek, 23, graduated from California Lutheran University in May, where he sang the national anthem as a member of a quartet.

Meek worked as a bouncer at Borderline, a family friend told 10News, and reportedly broke windows at the bar to help people escape as the violence unfolded Wednesday night.

Alaina Housley

Actress Tamera Mowry-Housley and her husband, former Fox News correspondent Adam Housley, said that their niece, Alaina Housley, is one of the victims killed in the mass shooting at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, California.

“Our hearts are broken,” the couple said in a statement. “We just learned that our niece Alaina was one of the victims of last night’s shooting at Borderline bar in Thousand Oaks. Alaina was an incredible young woman with so much life ahead of her and we are devastated that her life was cut short in this manner. We thank everyone for your prayers and ask for privacy at this time.”

Sean Adler

Huffington Post writes: Sean Adler, 48, worked as a bouncer at Borderline. He’d formerly worked as a strength and conditioning coach for the Royal High School wrestling team in Simi Valley, California, according to a Facebook post by the team. 

“He was positive, motivational, and truly wanted the best for the people around him,” the post read.

https://twitter.com/simiwrestling/status/1060618418926186496

Telemachus Orfanos

KABC reports: Orfanos was identified by a friend, who said he and her boyfriend grew up together in Thousand Oaks. She also mentioned that he survived the Las Vegas shooting.

His mother spoke to Eyewitness News and said she doesn’t want thoughts and prayers. She wants gun control.

https://twitter.com/passantino/status/1060680647641952256

Noel Sparks

Yahoo reports, “United Methodist Church of Westlake Village identified 21-year-old Noel Sparks as a shooting victim in a post on Facebook. Sparks was a student at Moorpark College near Thousand Oaks.

“It is with heavy hearts that we notify you that Noel Sparks was among the victims of last night’s shooting,” the church wrote in a statement. “We grieve with Tony Sparks and Wendy Anderson.”

Sparks’ friend Sarah Penrose remembered her on Facebook as “always so joyful to help others and fill needs.”


Daniel Manrique

Buzzfeed reports: Manrique was a Marine Corps radio operator who had recently been hired by Team Red, White & Blue, a nonprofit organization that supports veterans.

Manrique’s sister, Gladys Koscak, confirmed that he was among the victims in a Facebook post Thursday.

“He was shot and killed in an absolutely senseless act of violence that we will never understand. He had spent his entire adult life, post military service, helping veterans readjust to civilian life,” Koscak wrote. “I have no doubt that he died a hero, shielding others from gunshots. He will forever be our hero, son, brother, and the best uncle anybody could ever ask for.”