The community extends its condolences to the family and friends of Ilkhom Shodiev, an Amazon truck driver tragically shot on Interstate 5 in Lathrop.
The aftermath of the shooting caused Shodiev's 18-wheeler truck to veer off the highway and crash into a nearby business.
Aziz Azami, a close friend of Shodiev, shared his grief and disbelief. “All of us still are experiencing a state of shock. It was devastating news for us to hear, especially the way it happened.”
The incident resulted in Shodiev's truck colliding with two parked vehicles, thankfully unoccupied, sparing additional casualties.
Shodiev, a Charlotte, North Carolina resident, leaves behind his wife and their two young children, ages 1 and 3. Azami remembers Shodiev as "a man of principles," who readily extended help to others and actively supported refugees in the Charlotte area.
Shodiev, described as having a great sense of humor, tirelessly worked to support his wife and children. The family had recently achieved the milestone of purchasing a house.
Azami expressed his anger and sorrow at the tragic circumstances of Shodiev's passing, "I was numb inside... it just really makes me angry, to be honest."
Currently, no suspects have been identified in the shooting. California Highway Patrol investigators continue their probe and are seeking the public's help, particularly those who were traveling northbound on I-5 between State Route 120 and Louise Avenue, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm on Thursday.
In their quest for justice, the grieving family seeks the community's support. “We'll take care of his family for the rest of our lives,” affirmed Azami.
To assist the family during this distressing time, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to raise funds for Shodiev’s bereaved family.
