Field Day for G: community honors Giuliani Calderon with love, laughter, and ladybugs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Still healing from gunshot wounds and moving through her neighborhood in a wheelchair, Mercedes Ontiveros hosted a block party Saturday in honor of her 12-year-old son, Giuliani Calderon—a boy taken too young in a night of senseless violence.

“This is just an appreciation event that we put together in my son’s honor,” Ontiveros said.

The mother was surrounded by friends, neighbors, and children playing just feet away from where her son’s name was chalked across the asphalt.

“It’s just a little something to give back to everybody—all the family and friends in the community that have been ive through all of this for my son and for myself,” Ontiveros added.

ALSO READ: Anchor Carolyn Long recognized as Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat honoree

The event was held at the end of a cul-de-sac in the Northland, where kids laughed in bounce houses, tossed water balloons, and went home with faces painted and arms full of cotton candy and popcorn—all in remembrance of a boy known for his bright energy and wide smile.

Giuliani was one of two people killed during a February shooting spree. His mother, Mercedes, was also shot during that night.

Her father, Zachery Ontiveros, addressed the crowd with heartfelt words that reflected both sorrow and hope.

“I stand to you today with a heavy and shattered heart,” he said.

Ontiveros also shared a symbolic belief that has brought the family unexpected comfort in the weeks since Giuliani’s death.

“We believe that Giuliani came back as a ladybug, weird as it may seem,” Ontiveros said. “They were at his grave. They were on people after his burial. They’ve been around randomly everywhere. So if you see a ladybug—that’s little Giuliani.”

He called on the community to take mental health seriously and reminded those gathered of the deep pain felt by families who’ve endured loss like theirs.

“Mercedes is now part of a group of women and men that has lost their child or children in a horrific tragedy,” Ontiveros said. “They carry the heaviest cross on their backs that we couldn’t even imagine.”

Though the event was entirely free for attendees, the family is raising money for one thing: a memorial bench to be placed by Giuliani Calderon’s gravesite—a quiet place to sit, , and keep his spirit close.

A GoFundMe for the family has raised more than $35,000 through 465 donations from the community.

READ MORE: Motorcyclist suffers serious injuries after losing control of vehicle

Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.