More than a month after the unexpected death of 43-year-old Joshua Trujillo – the only son of beloved local faith leader Pastor Rudy Trujillo and his wife, Annette Trujillo – friends and relatives overflowed Mission City Church in San Fernando for his “celebration of life.”
Numerous photos of Joshua Trujillo with his four children, parents and other loved ones were displayed at the July 14 service, which was both somber and celebratory. A succession of people spoke during the gathering, sharing touching and heartfelt memories, including his father Rudy Trujillo.
The pastor described feeling completely broken, but also grateful that he was blessed to have Joshua Trujillo as his son. He described Joshua as always being curious, always seeking knowledge and always wanting to be prepared, which is why he would type up notes for any situation – which the pastor did to prepare for the service, in memory of his son.
Joshua Trujillo was shot and killed when an argument between him and his ex-wife’s boyfriend, identified via her Instagram page as Michael R. Lopez, escalated to violence in the parking lot outside a quinceañera at the George A. Carvalho Sports Complex in Santa Clarita on May 30.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) deputies who arrived on scene found both men with gunshot wounds. They transported them to a local hospital, where Joshua Trujillo was later pronounced dead. Lopez was shot six times and was hospitalized in critical condition.
According to a statement from LASD Lt. Chris Oakley – which didn’t name the individuals involved – “the deceased party [Joshua Trujillo] and the injured party [Lopez] were involved in an argument. During the argument, the deceased individual [Joshua Trujillo] shot the injured party [Lopez]. An uninvolved person shot and killed the deceased.”
Deputies initially detained the third individual as a person of interest, but Oakley told the San Fernando Valley Sun/el Sol that the man was later released. He said the case is still under investigation and will be filed with the LA County District Attorney this week.
“They will make the determination if any charges are filed on anyone involved,” said Oakley, noting they can’t confirm the relationships between the parties involved or provide other details.
The LA County Medical Examiner determined Joshua Trujillo’s manner of death as a homicide.
Concert Fundraiser
On Friday, July 31, a concert and fundraiser titled “In Memory of Joshua Trujillo Concert, Let’s Continue His Legacy” will be held to keep his “spirit alive through music and good vibes.” All funds raised will be entrusted to his parents and will be used to help support his four children and honor his legacy.
Co-hosted by comedian Gilbert Esquivel and “Sal the drummer” Rodriguez of War, the fundraiser will feature The Artist!, Jimmy “Sincerely” Jesus Crew, M.C. Blvd, Pastor Martin Cantu, Tudy from Shofar and Old Dogs New Tricks Band.
The concert will be held from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at LA Mission College (LAMC), located at 13356 Eldridge Ave. in Sylmar. General admission tickets are $50 each, plus fees.
To buy tickets or for more information, go to: