‘His sweet spirit and innocence touched everyone’: Family shares after deadly manhunt
RIVERSIDE, Mo. (KCTV) - The family involved with the Amber Alert and homicide in Platte County is trying to come to with what happened. As they said, they’re taking things day by day.
The family said 12-year-old Giuliani Calderon lost his life, and his mom, Mercedes Ontiveros, is in the hospital.
They were both shot by George Clyde Manning, III, who went on a rampage, killing two people and abducting his daughter Thursday night.
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Thankfully, the daughter was found safe. Police eventually ended the manhunt, ending in the shooting death of Manning Friday morning.
Balloons, teddy bears, and flowers now line their home.
In a statement, the family, who said they aren’t ready to do an interview yet, told KCTV5, “The family appreciates everyone for their prayers and during this time. We want to give our sympathy to the other victim and their family. As of right now, we are still all in shock and taking it day by day, and Mercedes is recovering from her injuries. The family is doing the best as expected with the love and from everyone.”
The family also set up a GoFundMe. In it, they said Giuliani wasn’t just Mercedes’ son; he was her best friend, her firstborn, and a light in all their lives. They go on to say their bond was a true testament to the power of unconditional love. A love that will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His sweet spirit and innocence touched everyone he met.
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This isn’t the first time this family has experienced tragedy. In 2019, Giuliani and his sister’s dad were killed in the mass shooting at Tequila KC. Four people were shot, and several others injured.
“As the only surviving parent through both of these unimaginable tragedies, Mercedes now faces an even greater burden,” the family wrote. “Due to the severity of her injuries, in addition to the profound grief of losing her son, Mercedes is now confronted with the overwhelming challenge of adjusting to a life she never could have imagined.”
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