This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Friends, Family Remember Ryan Modica During Candlelight Vigil

One year after he was shot and killed outside of a Diamond Bar residence, Ryan Modica was remembered during a candlelight vigil.

As the sun set over Diamond Bar Friday evening, a small group gathered on North Del Sol Lane, coming together to remember a friend and brother.

It was in that spot that Ryan Modica was shot and killed in the driveway of the house he had recently moved out of. His former roommate, Kyle Jacobs, stands accused of the murder, and his .

For those who came out to the vigil, the past year went by like a blur.

Find out what's happening in Diamond Bar-Walnutwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“I feel like it’s only been a few months,” said Modica’s brother-in-law, Adrian Martinez. “I miss him.”

Modica’s sister, Kari Martinez, wasn’t sure if she wanted to hold the vigil, as she didn’t want a possible negative reaction from neighbors, but was also “afraid that if I didn’t do it, I would regret it.”

Find out what's happening in Diamond Bar-Walnutwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The memorial to Modica was small; there were flowers, candles, signs, and a red balloon that said “I Love You.” Those in attendance wore buttons featuring a photo of Modica smiling. As the vigil went on, several neighbors drove by and stopped to talk, including one woman who said she remembered the day.

“I heard the police,” she said. “It was really sad. He didn’t deserve to die.”

The vigil lasted about 90 minutes, and the participants said it felt good to reminisce about Modica.

“I don’t want people to forget him,” Adrian said. “He had a big heart. He’d give you the shirt off his back if you asked him for it.”

“He was a big teddy bear,” said Raelene Valenzuela. “He was the most loving person ever.”

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?