MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The community is mourning the loss of two teens killed on Christmas morning in a shooting near 37th and Scott.
The victims, identified by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office on Thursday, were 18-year-old Nayah Vasquez and 15-year-old Exziel Rivera.
Vasquez is remembered as a beautiful soul who loved music, friends, and the outdoors. Rivera, known to his friends as "X," is remembered for his kindheartedness and bright smile.
Watch: Friends, family mourn the loss of teens killed in Christmas Day shooting
According to police, an unknown suspect fired into a vehicle just before 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 25, striking both teens. Their vehicle continued through the intersection, hitting a parked car before crashing into a tree.
Rivera was pronounced dead at the scene, while Vasquez died later at the hospital. Police are still searching for the suspect or suspects responsible for the shooting.
On Thursday night, friends of Rivera gathered at the site of the shooting to honor his memory. They brought balloons and candles to hold a small vigil in his name.
"His smile would just make you want to smile," said Grace Howard, a friend of Rivera’s who considered him family. "His bright smile, full of teeth and all clean, and I’d be like, ‘Yep, that’s my brother.’"
Howard and others said they felt compelled to honor Rivera because of the support he gave to those around him.
"X loved everybody, even when he didn’t love himself. For that, I’d say he’s probably one of the most kindhearted kids I have ever met," said Howard. "He’s always been there for people, even when he’s going through things himself."
Vasquez’s mother shared photos of her daughter with TMJ4, describing her as a beloved cousin, aunt, and daughter who brought joy to those around her.
Both families are now grappling with unimaginable grief and have set up GoFundMe pages to help with funeral expenses.
"He needs love, and even if he’s not here, he can be loved," Howard said of Rivera. "Just because a life ends doesn’t mean the love needs to end."
GoFundMe for Nayah: https://www.gofundme.com/f/honor-nayah-vasquez-help-her-family?qid=fa357ea7b4c94033de72f3c7ee7769ad
GoFundMe for Exziel: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-xziels-memorial-and-funeral-costs.
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