Daughter pauses dream job to raise siblings after Sacramento parents were killed in Mexico

Ishani Desai, The Sacramento Bee on Dec 24, 2024

Published in Women

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Three orphans of a Sacramento couple brutally gunned down in Mexico earlier this month are raising money to help stay afloat and bring their parents’ remains home.

Authorities said Rafael Cardona Aguilera, 53, and Gloria Ambriz de Cardona, 50, were shot and killed Dec. 11 while spending time with their grandparents in Angamacutiro, Michoacán, a state besieged by gang violence. They were the brother and sister-in-law of Angamacutiro’s mayor, Hermes Pacheco.

The couple’s oldest child paused her education to find a job and to take care of her two youngest siblings, according to the verified GoFundMe page. Stephanie dreamed for 10 years of becoming a nurse but had to step away from starting her career just next month, according to her friend’s account written online.

The youngest boy is just 7 years old.

“They now face life without the love and support of their parents and will rely on her strength — and our help — to navigate this unimaginable loss,” according to the GoFundMe.

The couple was found in a bullet-ridden vehicle. A motive behind the shooting in the town with a population of about 15,000 people has not been released.

A family friend in the online post about the fundraiser called the victims loving and devoted parents.

“Their sudden passing has left an unimaginable void in our lives, but our most urgent concern is the future of their three children.”

The GoFundMe is raising funds for living expenses, such as rent, food and clothing. It will also be used to help pay for college for the children and to bring their parents’ bodies home.

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