Marina mourns loss of 4-year-old soccer player shot and killed in Watsonville

The tragic killing of a young Watsonville girl is leaving many with a heavy heart on Tuesday night. A group gathered in Marina to honor 4-year-old Jaelyn Zavala, killed by a stray bullet almost two weeks ago. NewsChannel 5 was there during a vigil at Marina’s Teen Center, where emotions were running high.

Several people got up to speak and show their support for Zavala’s family in front of at least 50 people. Zavala played soccer in Marina. Those touched by her life said they are devastated by her death.

Holding candles in honor of Zavala, community members held onto one another and shared words of compassion for her family.

“This is a time for us to cry. To cry for a mama that lost her daughter,” said a local pastor.

Family members tell NewsChannel 5 the pain they’re enduring is unbearable. They asked us not to interview anyone at Tuesday night’s vigil and we are respectfully honoring that request. A pastor opened with prayer and a call for the community to continue supporting positive programs for kids.

“A community who has lost a girl that was part if the soccer program here in Marina,” said the pastor.

A few Marina city employees also attended, with words of hope for a family that has lost so much.

“It is our responsibility as a community to show them that we love them, that we support them, that we’re here for them in this time of need,” said a Marina city employee.

Several coaches with Marina soccer shared their support, remembering Zavala as a bright, young girl with a family who loved her deeply.

A moment of silence was held at Marina’s City Council meeting on Tuesday night. The city of Watsonville has also done the same recently at several community gatherings.