Help Replace Oliver’s Stolen Trombone

Hi everyone,

I never thought I’d be in a position where I’d have to ask for help like this, but I just want to make things right for Oliver and need some support.

On the night of February 6th, between 10:30 PM and 6:00 AM on February 7th, our car was vandalized near Clinton St. and Mariposa Ave (in front of 571 Mariposa Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004). Unfortunately, aside from the extensive damage, my son's most prized possession, his trombone, was stolen.

This trombone wasn’t just an instrument. It was a Christmas gift and something truly special to him—a Yamaha YSL-354S that he played for the first time new. While his music school was kind enough to lend him a replacement so he can continue playing, nothing compares to having his own personal instrument back.

I feel immense guilt because I had overlooked it the night before. We had just returned home from a late movie, where I had treated him to see his favorite, Dogman. I made sure to remove all valuables from the car but in my exhaustion, I missed his trombone since it was in a dark case. I had worked all day and my mind simply didn’t register it—something I am still deeply hurting over.

Waking up to see the car vandalized was incredibly traumatizing for him and realizing his trombone was gone broke his heart. I think seeing me cry made him try to contain his emotions because, ever since, he has been doing his best to move forward (kids are so resilient). But I can’t let it go. The repairs were costly, as they didn’t just damage the exterior and knowing that his beloved instrument was taken makes it even harder.

We suspect the person responsible may be Gabrielle Paluch, a woman suffering from schizophrenia who has a personal vendetta against me and my car. She was once a known writer but suffered a severe mental break. Her own family has a restraining order against her and in the past, she has sent me threatening messages specifically mentioning my car and my son. We previously had her removed from a building next to ours but we recently learned she moved just a block away.

How You Can Help

I’ve searched everywhere—pawn shops, local listings, even surveillance footage—but I’ve had no luck. I just want to give him back what was taken.

I’m raising funds to buy him a replacement trombone—either the same model or something similar. We are asking for $900 in donations because that’s what we originally paid for his trombone, though they typically sell for close to $2,000—so we’re hoping to find a similar deal again.

Every dollar donated will go directly toward purchasing his instrument.

If you’re able to contribute, any amount helps, and if you can’t donate, sharing this campaign would mean the world to us.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and support. I just want to see Oliver playing with his favorite instrument again.

With gratitude,

Marilyn Monroy