A friend of three-week-old Eliza Delacruz’s family has set up a memorial fund to assist the family with funeral expenses.
Eliza went missing from her North Long Beach home Saturday night after her mother, father and uncle were shot by an unknown suspect. Eliza’s body was found in Imperial Beach on Sunday.
While the mother and uncle remain in critical condition, Eliza’s father, who was released from the hospital earlier this week, has been struggling, said family friend Christina Lynne.
To help the family, Lynne set up a GoFundMe account to try to raise at least $5,000 for Eliza’s funeral expenses.
“I know they don’t have a lot of money,” Lynne said. “I’ve had to bury my cousin. He had barely turned two, but it was pretty expensive for funeral arrangements, so that’s the main reason why I’m doing this to help the family.”
Lynne said she previously worked with Eliza’s father, who she identified as Eddy Delacruz, although his identity has not yet been confirmed by the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD).
Lynne said Eddy expressed excitement at the prospect of starting a family last year, when Lynne was pregnant with a child of her own.
“And then he ended up starting his family, and he was really excited about it,” Lynne said. “Now, he’s a wreck. He’s just really hurt and upset and just trying to do the best he can for his family, at least until they find out more information. He’s trying to stay strong like any other human being would, but it’s been such a hard and delicate situation.”
While police have released minimal details surrounding Saturday’s shooting, Lynne said Eddy was shot by a single bullet that went through his leg and hip, and Eddy’s girlfriend and brother were each shot in the facial area. Police have not confirmed any of these details.
A memorial service for Eliza has not been set up yet, Lynne said, pending Eliza’s mother’s recovery.
“I know Eddy’s girlfriend [Eliza’s mother] is in critical condition and is going through surgery, so they’re going to discuss memorial details as soon as she comes to in a good mental state,” she said. “That’s when I’m going to transfer the money to him.”
Eddy told the Long Beach Post, communicating through Lynne via email, that he was grateful for the community’s support.
“I am very grateful and blessed to have such great friends and family around me,” he said. “I thank everyone for being so supportive and caring of my little girl.”
To donate to Eliza’s memorial fund, click here.