Family and friends of Tabatha Tozzi, who was tragically shot in Las Vegas earlier this year, convened at Craig Ranch Regional Park to honor her memory in a heartfelt celebration of life.
Judith Vaughs, a childhood friend of Tozzi’s, expressed her emotional connection to the late 26-year-old, stating that she treasures the last birthday message from Tozzi. “I look at it all the time,” Vaughs said. “It was a birthday message, saying how much she loved me.” This poignant reminder of their bond comes after Tozzi was allegedly shot by her then-boyfriend, Oswaldo Nathanahel Perez-Sanchez, on April 22, 2023.
Following the shooting, Tozzi succumbed to her injuries at University Medical Center two days later. Perez-Sanchez fled to Mexico but was recently apprehended by Mexican authorities regarding the murder of another woman. This event has galvanized friends and family who have been advocating for justice for Tozzi since her untimely death.
At the recent gathering, more than 50 attendees shared memories and food, with photos and handwritten signs, including one reading, “#TABBY4EVER WE WANT JUSTICE,” creating a vibrant tribute to Tozzi.
Regina Lacerda, Tozzi’s mother, expressed her commitment to keeping her daughter’s memory alive. “I don’t want anybody to forget about my daughter,” she said, emphasizing the enduring light Tozzi brings to her life.
Lacerda also spoke about the emotional turmoil she has experienced since her daughter’s death. “I have to be her voice now,” she stated, revealing the depth of her grief. “The day that she passed, I wanted to go with her, but I know she was always there with me, telling me, ‘Mom, don’t give up.'”
Metro Undersheriff Andrew Walsh addressed those in attendance, underscoring the challenges faced in bringing Tozzi’s alleged killer to American soil for prosecution. “We’re going to have to fight for the justice that Regina seeks in bringing the suspect in this case back to the United States for prosecution in an American courtroom,” Walsh said while holding Lacerda’s hand.
Gary Schofield, head of the U.S. Marshals Service in Nevada, mentioned that there were no new updates on the extradition process of Perez-Sanchez, stating, “That’s up to Mexico.”
Vaughs, who traveled from San Diego for the event, reflected on the impact of the tragedy. “At the same time, I’m very overwhelmed. Even though it’s been two years, I still go back to the moment when I found out that she was shot. Part of me still doesn’t understand why this happened,” she shared.
The depths of Lacerda’s pain were palpable as she discussed her struggle to find peace after her daughter’s death. “I don’t sleep anymore,” she admitted, explaining how her life has drastically changed. “I only sleep two or three hours now. My life went upside down. I don’t know who I am at this moment because I became another person.”
Despite these immense challenges, family and friends made it clear they will continue to advocate for justice. Lacerda concluded her emotional tribute, expressing a clear determination: “Every single day, I ask her to be my guide. I tell her I need justice for her and I ask her to just be my guide.”
This gathering not only celebrated the life of Tabatha Tozzi but also reinforced the commitment of her loved ones to seek justice, ensuring that her memory remains alive amidst the ongoing battle for accountability surrounding her untimely death.
image source from：https://www.reviewjournal.com/crime/homicides/slain-las-vegas-woman-remembered-were-going-to-have-to-fight-to-get-accused-killer-to-u-s-3362813/
