Late on October 31, around 11:17 p.m., the quiet of a neighborhood street in Chula Vista was shattered. Teens gathered for a Halloween party on East Prospect Street found themselves in the crosshairs of gunfire when an argument escalated. Police responded to reports of shots, and when they arrived they found two boys — one aged 17 and the other just 15 — with life-threatening gunshot wounds.
The two were rushed to the trauma unit at UC San Diego Medical Center, but tragically neither survived. The older victim was later identified as Elias Yanez, 17, and the younger as Kane Roldan, 15. Families and friends reeling from the loss lament that the boys were just trying to enjoy a holiday gathering — and now two futures are gone.
By Monday afternoon, law enforcement announced a significant development: David Garcia, an 18-year-old from nearby National City, was arrested without incident at approximately 1:35 p.m. in connection with the shooting. He is currently booked on two counts of first-degree murder at the county jail.
According to the Chula Vista Police Department, the shooting erupted after a dispute at the party turned violent, though the exact nature of the conflict has not been fully disclosed. At this time, police say there are no additional suspects believed to be at large—but they emphasize the investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests remain possible.
Kane’s foster mother, Georgina Martinez, gave a poignant account of the moment she learned the news. She described receiving a frantic call from one of Kane’s friends—“We don’t know where Kane is” he said—and arriving at the scene to find flashing lights and a crisis unfolding. “When I got to the hospital they told me they did everything they could. But he was gone,” she said. Martinez fondly recalled Kane’s goofy, joyful personality, his love of basketball, and a heartfelt text he sent her days earlier: “I wanted you to know I love you, I’m never gonna be able to repay you for everything you’ve done for me.”
Elias and Kane were not just party-goers—they were part of a team, bonded over basketball since elementary school and playing travel ball together, Martinez said. Their families, friends and community are left grieving the meaningless disruption of lives that were full of promise.
Police have urged anyone with information about the shooting—especially videos or phone footage taken at the party—to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
At a time meant for celebration and community, two families are grappling with loss while law enforcement vows to pursue every lead. The neighborhood is left with an urgent question: how did a night meant for fun end in tragedy, and how many more young lives will vanish before the cycle changes?
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