Reporting: Nissa Tzun
Photos: Johnnie Wade and Nissa Tzun
NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV - On Sunday, April 15th, 2018, the family and friends of police shooting victim, Junior David Lopez, said their final goodbyes to the 22-year old Latino man. Some friends and family traveled from California where Junior had lived prior to residing in Las Vegas. Over a 100 people attended the funeral.
Brenda Martinez arrives to the funeral service for her son Junior Lopez. Over 100 people came to say goodbye to the young man. April 15th, 2018, North Las Vegas, NV. Photo by Nissa Tzun
Pallbearers carry Junior's casket into the church for the funeral service. April 15th, 2018, North Las Vegas, NV. Photo by Johnnie Wade
Junior was a Lyft driver who had an application in with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and was set on getting married to his fiancee, Amber Bustillos, in May. Junior was the breadwinner and believed being a police officer would provide him with a steady income so that his fiancee could continue being a full-time mother to her two young children.
From left to right: Junior's fiancee, Amber Bustillos, his stepfather Jorge Martinez, his mother Brenda Martinez, and his younger brother, Javier Lopez. The family of Junior Lopez sit in the front row of the church pews for the funeral service. April 15th, 2018, North Las Vegas, NV. Photo by Nissa Tzun
Junior's younger brother, Javier Lopez, 18, who serves in the US military, had to travel from Afghanistan to attend his brother's funeral. He will return to Afghanistan shortly to continue his service.
The funeral took place at Iglesia De Dios Septimo Dia off of Kell Lane in North Las Vegas, and the burial was held at Woodlawn Cemetery. The first two hours served as time for the community to arrive and get oriented, and then at 1PM, the service began. A live band played several songs, followed by Pastor Ernesto Mendoza's sermon. The service concluded with a song performed by Junior's young cousin Jackey Montalvo.
A live band plays several songs during the funeral service for Junior Lopez, April 15th, 2018, North Las Vegas. Photo by Nissa Tzun
The community sings along during the funeral service of Junior Lopez, April 15th, 2018, North Las Vegas, NV. Photo by Nissa Tzun
Left: Pastor Ernesto Mendoza gives his sermon at the funeral for Junior Lopez. Right: Cousin of Junior Lopez, Jackey Montalvo, concludes the funeral service with a song. Many family members and friends break down during this performance. April 15th, 2018, North Las Vegas. Photos by Nissa Tzun
Pallbearers prepare Junior's casket for the short trip to Woodlawn Cemetery. April 15th, 2018, North Las Vegas, NV. Photo by Nissa Tzun
At 2:30PM the community gathered at Woodlawn Cemetery for the burial. A live band played during the procession.
Brenda Martinez (center) and family watch Junior's casket lower down into the grave. April 15th, 2018, North Las Vegas. Photo by Nissa Tzun
The pallbearers each shovel dirt into Junior's grave. April 15th, 2018, North Las Vegas, NV. Photo by Nissa Tzun