MESA, Ariz. — It's been almost one year since Mark Jacobo last saw his 18-year-old son, Stephen, alive. Now, on what would've been Stephen's 19th birthday, Jacobo is speaking out with the hopes someone can help bring his heartbroken family justice.
"He was just an important person," Jacobo said. "He brightened everybody's day and just to, just to continue to hear his name. We've done a couple of functions and to still meet people who only met him once and could tell a huge story about him again just reminds me of the amazing kid he was."
On November 6th, 2022, Stephen went with friends to a house party at 1700 West Emelita Avenue in Mesa. There, Stephen was shot and killed. Attendees identified the gunman to authorities as someone at that party. He was arrested but released a few days after when the Maricopa County Attorney's Office sent the case back to Mesa Police for further investigation.
"It's frustrating," said Jacobo.
Mesa Police sent their findings back to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office two more times and both times they were rejected. The Jacobos describe the pain as a never-ending emotional roller-coaster.
"I don't understand why this kid, I wouldn't say kid, this person is still roaming the streets enjoying life," said Jacobo. "He took my son's life, and nothing is being done about it. I don't understand. If these police officers were going through what I am going through I know they'd put a little more effort into this case."
Jacobo has focused on starting the Stephen Benito Jacobo Foundation in honor of his son. Their hope is to bring awareness and educate others about the impacts of gun violence on local youth. A few weeks ago, they held a softball tournament and were able to raise thousands of dollars in his son's name.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
This weekend they will be hosting another event, inviting friends and family to hear from guest speakers and others about the issue. Jacobo says creating this foundation and having these conversations is important to him and his family so Stephen's name can stay alive.
"That's exactly why I'm doing it," he said. "Because that's what he would do. That's what he would do and this is what keeps me going, as well as gives me daily strength. I want to try and help save a family from going through what we're going through."
For the Jacobos, talking through the pain never gets easier. However, it's important for Stephen's family because the one thing authorities need right now is for more witnesses and people at that party to come forward and tell them what happened. Jacobo says no detail is too small and could eventually help bring the family the one thing they want, justice.
"He was the type of person who loved helping people and making people happy," Jacobo said. "It's not getting easier. We're dealing with feeling hurt every day. It's not getting easier."
If you have any information that can help this family, you're encouraged to contact Mesa Police. You can also contact Silent Witness anonymously at 480-WITNESS.
12News on YouTube
Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12News YouTube playlist here.