The victims
The three people killed in a shooting at a Walmart in Thornton have been identified:
A mother and champion of her girls’ softball team, a longtime Auraria campus staffer and a father of two, with a third child on the way, were fatally shot Wednesday inside a Thornton Walmart Supercenter.
The three victims were identified Thursday as 52- year- old Pamela Marques of Denver, 66- year- old Carlos Moreno of Thornton and 26- year- oldVictorVasquez of Denver, according to the Adams County coroner’s office.
Moreno and Vaquez died at the Walmart, 9901 Grant St.
Marques was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Morenoworked for the Auraria campus for 18 years in structural trades, focusing on general maintenance and repair, said Blaine Nickeson, chief of staff for the campus.
“He was well- known, friendly, always willing to help,” Nickeson said. “Lots of people on campus could rely on him and knewhewas someone that could take care of them. He leaves a big hole.”
Moreno was a “stand- up guy,” he said, adding that Moreno cared deeply about his work and helping students, staffers and faculty members.
The facilities department, whereMoreno worked, is in shock, Nickeson said. He said employees are trying to continue normal operations but are struggling with the loss.
Friends ofVasquez started aGoFundMe page to help his fiancée, mother and children with funeral costs and immediate needs. As of 7: 30 p. m. Thursday, 310 people had pledged $ 14,605 toward a goal of $ 25,000.
Vasquez was a father of two girls and had another child on the way.
“I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family,” Wendy Parker said on the GoFundMe page. Parker said she knew Vasquez from the East Point Christian Center in Escondido, Calif. She added, “My heart breaks for you.”
Marques attended Pueblo County High School and graduated from Adams City High School in 1983, according to her Facebook page.
“I love my daughter and my twins,” she said on Facebook. Marques enjoyed fishing and gambling. She helped raise money for her girls’ Crush fast- pitch softball team.
People had posted on Marques’ Facebook wall to express their sympathy, saying she was loved. Commenters added that they will be there to help Marques’ sister and mother.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and everyone touched by this incident,” Gov. John Hickenlooper said in a statement Thursday. “We thank the first responders whose actions restored calm and are helping the community recover.”