Justice for Duane & Damien

My name is Mary Ann Medina-Trujillo and this is my story. I am a mother and a grandmother. July 16, 2014, I lost my 1st born daughter in a tragic car accident. I at the time was a single

mother, as my youngest daughter had also lost her father in 2009  due to a tragic car accident. I took the responsibility of raising my deceased daughters 3 boys along with my youngest daughter. As of recently, god has placed the responsibility of yet another young life in my care. Damien is my 8 year old grandson and this new responsibility is due to his daddy’s unexpected death. 6/11/2021, Damien, my grandson was diagnosed with acute leukemia and flown on flight for life to Denver’s Children Hospital ICU. His father Duane Manzanares (Dj) immediately went there to be by his side. I arrived Saturday to Denver and informed my son I was there to be by his side through it all. Sunday Morning I returned to the hospital to relieve my son so he go and get Damien some personal items. He did not know anything about the city so we had to ask for info on where to find a Walmart. My son Left at around 10:30 with every intention of returning to be by his sons side. Sadly to say my son never returned that day. We started calling around for him with no prevail. That evening we started calling the Denver Districts to check if they had any contact with him, again no information. Monday morning I put a missing post of my son asking if anyone was in contact with him to please tell him to get ahold of me, still nothing. Shortly after

My post, I started receiving videos of a man that was shot to death by Denver District 2 Police on Sunday evening around 5:30 PM. I refused to believe that this could be my son. After realizing that maybe this could have been him, I watched the video. Sad to say, yes this was my son who was shot to death trying to get back to his baby. The Denver District 2 Police Dept., not once said anything Sunday or Monday. It was not until late Tuesday afternoon that I received a call stating that this was my son that had passed away.   He had identification on him as well as his car being registered to him. Police said it took so long because they had to identify him. SMH. Needless to say, I am in need of help to cover his funeral expenses. We have a long road ahead of us as his baby will be doing treatments of chemo for at least 3 years along with spinal taps. These procedures can only be done at Children’s Hospital in Colorado Springs or Denver. However, I also still have to be strong enough and capable of providing and being here for the other children who are still dependent on me. I know god hears our prayers and I have faith that my son is at Peace. God does

Not give us more than we can handle that he promises. However, right now I feel as if I have a lot. Thank you all for letting me share and god bless each and everyone of you.