Community mourns 2 lives lost to 'an act of unspeakable evil'

March 10, 2001

SANTEE -- Thousands turned out last night to honor the two Santana High School students killed in Monday's shootings and to seek comfort from a loss that has devastated the community.

"We're joined in sadness and heartbreak," California first lady Sharon Davis and 1972 Santana alumna told mourners who filled Sonrise Community Church.

Parents of the two slain students, Randy Gordon and Bryan Zuckor, sat in the front of the hall beside many of the 13 who were injured and their families.

Full coverage of the Santana High School shooting

Fellow students, many wearing Santana High jerseys and jackets, sat amid couples, children and senior citizens. More than 3,000 people attended the memorial.

"These boys were taken from us by an act of unspeakable evil," Gov. Gray Davis told the audience. "Thirty-four million Californians grieve with you, they embrace you, and they are here with you tonight."

His remarks came amid an evening of songs, prayers, inspirational words, tears and hugs. The service marked the end of a week that shocked the community and captured the attention of the nation and the world.

An overflow crowd filled a separate auditorium that was equipped with a large-screen TV that showed the service.

With a standing ovation, the audience thanked police and paramedics who responded to the shooting.

Acknowledging that high school can be a scary and difficult time, the governor offered young people some practical advice: Talk to someone about your problems.

"One thing we can do is be better listeners and better talkers," Davis said.

The governor underscored the need for communication and caring by saying that he gave his home telephone number to the families of the dead.

Yesterday, the family of Charles "Andy" Williams, the 15-year-old Santana High freshman charged in the shootings, issued a statement of condolence.

"The Williams family would like to express their deepest sympathy to the family and friends of both boys who were killed. They send their heartfelt condolences to people who were injured and to their loved ones," said the statement issued by the Public Defender's Office, which is representing Williams.

"They would like all of you to know that they were horror-stricken by the events that took place at Santana High School and they remain shocked and confused."

The statement concluded with a thank-you for "the courageous and heroic efforts of law enforcement, paramedics and other individuals who were called to duty on that sad day."

Members of Williams' extended family who have traveled to San Diego chose to issue the statement, said Linda Miller, a spokeswoman for the Public Defender's Office. She would not specify how many family members or their relation to the boy.

The boy's mother, who divorced his father 10 years ago and now lives in South Carolina, is not in San Diego, Miller said.

The father has visited the boy several times since he was arrested Monday, she said.

Earlier yesterday, the governor visited the two teens still hospitalized, Melisa McNulty and Raymond Serrato.

Scott Marshall, who was shot in the back, was released yesterday.

At last night's memorial service, Santee Mayor Randy Voepel spoke of the two killed and of healing. "Let's pull together and make it."

Sharon Davis added, "In a community, the best of all of us can overcome even the worst among us."