We're learning more about the victims of the El Paso mass shooting attack, including a 'hero' grandfather, a teen and an Army vet. Here are their stories.
The trip to Walmart was supposed to be fun: an excuse for David Johnson and his wife, Kathy, to take their 9-year-old granddaughter, Katie Melendez, to pick out some new outfits that she had her eye on.Instead, Saturday's outing ended in horror when a gunman opened fire at the El Paso, Texas, store, killing at least 22 people. Johnson — who relatives say was always willing to do anything for his family — was among those killed.
The gunshots rang out as the three were checking out at the cash register. Johnson, 63, immediately moved to protect his wife and granddaughter, his daughter, Stephanie Melendez, told NBC News, and died using his body as a shield against the bullets."He pushed them down underneath to hide," Melendez, 31, said."That's something he would have done without a thought. That's just him.
Johnson, of El Paso, did lighting installation, and often worked long days, said Melendez, who also lives in El Paso. But that never kept him from volunteering to help Melendez — a stepdaughter who he officially adopted after he married her mother 26 years ago. A day before the shooting, Melendez reached out to Johnson because her car had a flat tire. She said even though Johnson had just finished a long shift, he drove her"all over El Paso, picking up my girls even though he was tired. That was just the kind of guy he was."
Dominic Patridge, a nephew of Johnson's, said the family is traumatized and heartbroken, and in awe of the sacrifice Johnson made. He said Johnson was shot three times.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
When chaos erupted in El Paso, this Army soldier's first response was to save the lives of childrenWhen chaos erupted in El Paso, Army soldier Glendon Oakley's first response was to save the lives of children
Read more »
Israeli army in no rush to go fully roboticIsrael, a world leader in hi-tech, is around 30 years away from its ambition of ...
Read more »
Sudanese activists, army finalize power-sharing dealSudan's pro-democracy movement is finalizing a power-sharing agreement with the ruling military council after weeks of slow-moving talks and tensions over recent violence against protesters
Read more »
U.N. urges sanctions on Myanmar army businesses, says foreign partners could be complicitUnited Nations investigators urged world leaders on Monday to impose targeted fi...
Read more »
Peru orders army to secure port in face of protest against mining projectPeruvian President Martín Vizcarra on Sunday authorized the army to maintain ord...
Read more »
Everything We Know About the El Paso Walmart MassacreAt least 19 people were killed and 40 injured after a young white gunman opened fire at a crowded Walmart in the border city.
Read more »