PHOENIX — On a day meant to remember what we are thankful for, a family has been left dealing with a tragedy.
Police said that 27-year-old, Cory "Angel" Rodriguez, was killed walking near a bike path on 44th Street and McDowell Road early Thanksgiving morning.
“I feel like a cannon went right through my chest and took everything out.” Patrica Renteria, Rodriguez's mother, said.
Renteria said Rodriguez was a prankster, who could light up a room with his smile.
“Like sunshine every day,” Renteria said.
The father of two was set to get married to his long-time girlfriend next month. It was a secret he never got to surprise his family with.
On Thanksgiving day, his family said he went to get some drinks at a local convenience store. Then Angel didn't come back and they started to worry.
“Come 5 o'clock and he still wasn’t home,” Renteria said.
Police said that around 9:30 a.m., he was attacked. Police said the injuries were consistent with a homicide.
“He was laying against the wall behind me. I ran from the police officer because I knew that was him,” Renteria said.
On Friday, at that same stretch of wall, the family held a vigil in his memory. To remember a man who should have more life ahead of him.
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