'Playful' boy, 6, named as one of the victims killed in the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California

At least three people were killed and at least 12 were injured on Sunday evening, July 28, when a shooter opened fire at the Gilroy Garlic Festival.

The popular annual food festival in northern California, featuring food, cooking competitions and music that attracts more than 100,000 people, was in full swing when a gunman sneaked in and attacked at about 5:30 p.m on the final day of the three-day celebration.

Officers engaged the suspect within one minute and he was shot and killed.

One of those who died in the attack has now been named as 6-year-old Stephen Romero.

Stephen's father, Alberto Romero, told the San Jose Mercury News newspaper that he was at home when his wife called to say she, her mother and their son had been shot at the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival.

"I couldn't believe what was happening, that what she was saying was a lie, maybe I was dreaming," he said.

The dad went to a hospital to see his son and, there, his life changed forever.

He said: "They told me he was in critical condition and that they were working on him. Five minutes later they told me he was dead."

When paternal grandmother Maribel Romero found out the boy had been shot, she went from hospital to hospital looking for him. 

She told KRON: "This is really hard, there's no words to describe (it). I don't think this is fair."

Maribel Romero described her grandson as a kind, happy and playful kid.

She added: "I just wish that they get the people who did it. We need to know that they got this person and that there's justice."

The boy's mother was shot in the hand and in the stomach and is expected to survive, KRON reported.

Gilroy City Council member Fred M. Tovar told CNN early Monday he was saddened by the news of the child's death.

He said in a statement: "I pray that God will grant his family strength. My most sincere condolences. I will keep your family close in my thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks as you are going through the process of grieving."

SOURCE-LINDAIKEJIBLOG