STOCKTON, Calif. — A heartrending journey from Southern California to Stockton became a reality for Rosemary Aceves, following the devastating news of her 18-year-old daughter Kaitlyn Valdovinos's death. Valdovinos was fatally shot near Ernie Shropshire Park early Friday morning, in a senseless act of violence that has left her family and community grappling with grief and disbelief.
"I can't believe it," Aceves expressed, overwhelmed with sorrow as she clutched a photograph of Kaitlyn. The pain of her loss was palpable as she lamented, "I have no words... She should have gone (back) alive, and I (shouldn't) have to take her like this back home."
Kaitlyn Valdovinos's visit to Stockton was meant to be a joyous occasion, an opportunity for a daughter to spend time with her father and learn to drive, a rite of passage into adulthood. Aceves recounted the last conversation she had with her daughter, noting Kaitlyn's excitement about her future plans, which included saving up for a car and obtaining her driver's license. "She said she was going to go to Ross... That's the last time I heard from her," Aceves shared, her voice heavy with emotion.
The tragic incident also resulted in injuries to a 20-year-old woman, who is expected to survive. However, the loss of Valdovinos has cast a long shadow over the community, leaving her family desperate for answers and justice.
With the perpetrator still at large and the motive behind the shooting unknown, Aceves issued a poignant appeal for information. "Turn yourself in," she urged, addressing the unknown assailant directly. "Anyone that knows something, anyone that saw anything — any little thing. Please, think about if it happened to you, if it happened to one of your family members, how would you feel?"
Kaitlyn Valdovinos's life was marked by achievement and love. An honor roll student who cherished her siblings and adored her cats, she represented the best of what young people aspire to be. Now, as her family mourns, they seek to honor her memory and call for justice. "None of my kids ever gave me trouble, none," Aceves stated, emphasizing Kaitlyn's character. "We need justice. Justice for Kaitlyn."
As the Stockton community reels from this tragedy, local authorities and Stockton Crime Stoppers encourage witnesses and anyone with information to come forward. Anonymity and a cash reward of up to $10,000 are being offered for information leading to an arrest, in the hopes of bringing closure to Kaitlyn's family and ensuring the safety of the community.
The loss of Kaitlyn Valdovinos is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of violence on families and communities. As Stockton mourns, the call for justice grows louder, in memory of a young life taken too soon.
