LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Thousands of cars pass the empty dirt lot along South Durango Drive, but to Karen Lopez, it’s the site of her family’s turning point. One year later, she is asking the community to remember her husband rather than how his life ended.

On Dec. 27, 2024, Jerry Lopez, 39, was driving to work when a man being pursued by police shot the father of seven, pulling him out of his family’s van. The chase continued until police shot and killed the gunman near South Durango Drive and Blue Diamond Road.

When Lopez’s wife, Karen, saw the news, she attempted to call Jerry but could not reach him. She drove to the scene of the shooting and remained there for five hours before police confirmed to her the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death.

One year later, Karen stood at the intersection where her family was forever changed and prayed with friends and members of Life Church.

“Today means more than you guys will ever know for all of your love and support, especially today,” Lopez said. “Nobody expects to wake up one day to find out that the absolute love of your life was horrifically murdered. But here we are, a year later, walking in that reality.”

Lopez said she wanted people to remember Jerry’s impact and legacy. A father of seven, a diligent worker, devoted to his faith, a hockey coach to their son, and someone in pursuit of a better life for their family.

“[Anthony] has his first set of tournaments next month. I look over at most of his games on the bench, and I think you should still be here standing there coaching his team,” Lopez said. “You would be so proud of our kid’s game. They have handled this year better than I could ever have imagined.”

Driving by the site where their father died, Karen said their children ask if they can bring cookies and coffee to the site to let him know they still think of him. Karen noted the pain of answering their innocent questions while fighting back tears.

“I’ve had to learn to walk around with a broken heart and a fake smile on my face most days, to show up every day for the kids when I wanted to stay in bed and shut out reality,” she said. “But our kids are my why, and you are still my motivation. I just want to make you proud.”

After the group sang, one of Karen’s sons told them they had a surprise for her to unwrap: a blue Superman bench. The group broke out markers and began to write words of motivation on the bench for the man they noted is still working to support his family through his legacy.

In January, the family received a van donated by the Findlay Automotive Group. The family is still seeking support following the loss of their father; anyone wanting to help can do so on the family GoFundMe.

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