Vigil set for young El Paso man gunned down outside eastside bar
Overwhelming grief is turning to anger for the father of a young El Paso man gunned down and killed outside of a eastside bar.
Rogelio Franco, 22, known to his friends and family as RJ, was shot multiple times outside Barfly at 11335 Montwood Dr. late Saturday night.
Roger Franco was asleep when he got the call informing him something terrible had happened to his son.
“When I get there I saw the whole place taped red. I told God, please don’t let it be my son,” Franco said. “He did not deserve to die like that. You know I am heartbroken. Now I can tell you I am angry.”
A spokesman for the El Paso Police Department told ABC-7 several off-duty officers were working security in the shopping area when they heard gunshots.
Police say 19-year-old Moises Galvan, Franco and another 22-year-old man were walking in the parking lot continuing an argument that happened inside of a bar at the shopping center.
During the argument police say Galvan took out a gun and fired several rounds, killing Franco. The alleged shooter reportedly attempted to flee the scene but was caught after a short foot pursuit by the off-duty police officers.
Franco said his son’s best friend David Ortega was with him the night of the shooting and was also shot multiple times.
A memorial has since been set up at the site of the shooting. A reminder for Franco just how much his son was loved by those who knew him.
“He touched a lot of people’s hearts, his smile,” Franco said.
The night before RJ was killed family members and friends were together at a restaurant. RJ spotted a photographer and paid to have a photo taken.
“As he walked out, he said, here Dad I am giving you this picture. And I said no RJ, you paid for it, you keep it. He said it’s memories, here, I am giving it to you,” Franco said. “You know, who would have know that was going to be the last picture he took with us.”
A vigil will held for RJ Franco Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Montwood High School Commons. People are asked to bring a white candle.
