(Seguin) – Words of strength and faith poured out Sunday night as the Seguin community came together to show its support to the family of Maekalyn Smith who was gunned down over a week ago at Seguin’s Park West.
The 18-year-old was shot and killed Monday, April 4 as she sat near the basketball court along San Antonio Avenue.
A 19-year-old male who was with Smith at the time was also shot and transferred to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Those words of strength and faith were shared during a public gathering at the park. Among those speaking at the vigil was Maria Lozana, a member of Hillcrest Church. Lozano was instrumental in organizing the event, bringing together Smith’s family, friends, the community plus local churches.
Lozano says although she did not know the young woman, she was determined from the very beginning to honor and celebrate her life.
“We don’t have to know you to love you and I know only through God, he is the only one who is going to help you go through this journey,” said Lozano.
Among those speaking to the large crowd was Emmanuel Carpenter, a chaplain at Guadalupe Regional Medical Center. Carpenter says what happened to Smith is a tragedy not just for her family but for the entire community.
“It’s not supposed to happen, not here, not anywhere. But the fact that it did happen, it is something that we have to address now. I pray that the Lord provides the justice that is needed in this situation because many lives have been affected by a wrong decision,” said Carpenter.
Seguin Police Detectives believe the tragedy was connected to a rash of shootings that have occurred throughout the city, and they believe it was a targeted shooting.
Two people, who are said to have been in the car during the shooting, have since been arrested. They include Sahra Vega, 21 and Christanio Soto, 21 both of Seguin. Meanwhile, the search remains for Draven Rene Reyes, 20, of Seguin. Reyes is believed to be the shooter in the case. Once arrested, he also faces charges of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
While the Seguin PD’s efforts are concentrated on apprehending Reyes, Carpenter says the focus for the community should remain on this young woman whose life was cut short.
Smith had recently graduated early from Seguin High School and was set to participate in the school’s graduation ceremony in June.
Carpenter says in gathering the community, he wanted to also work toward ensuring Smith’s memory.
“The spirt of the Lord put it on my heart and at the same time, he put it on Pastor Bruce’s heart that we should do what we can to name this area, this park after Maekalyn. So, we are going to look at the resources that are available, talk to the people that we need to talk to. We want this spot to be Maekalyn’s. So, we’ll talk to you more about it Jerry but it all depends if that’s okay with you. We are probably going to be sending out a petition for everyone to sign. So, everyone that is here, I would like for you to sign that petition. I think it’s something we need to do in honor of this young lady. God bless everyone and thank you for coming,” said Carpenter.
Also speaking at the Sunday night vigil were community members Teresa Grimm and Thomas Bruns.
Police say anyone with information about the whereabouts of Reyes should contact the Seguin Police Department immediately.
The Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers is also offering a $5,000 reward leading to Reyes’ arrest.
Individuals can call the police department at 830-379-2123. They can also call the Crime Stoppers tip line at 877-403-8477.
Photos of Sunday night’s vigil can be viewed in Monday’s online edition of the Seguin Daily News. The photos can be accessed at seguintoday.com.