Faustino Mancilla was shot and killed days after his 24th birthday in October of last year. He was found lying in the driveway of his home with a bullet wound to his upper body.
His sister, Jacqueline Mancilla, said the loss has been difficult to process.
"It has been very difficult coming to terms," she said.
Mancilla's twin sister described the impact of his death on her life.
"A part of me just went away and was kind of struggling to come back to that whole," she said.
Estevan Diaz appeared in court in handcuffs and wearing a red jumpsuit after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter. He showed little emotion as he waited to hear his sentence, but a judge postponed the hearing until next month.
Family members said the delay has extended their pain and uncertainty. Justina Talentino, Mancilla's mother, said facing Diaz in court was difficult because the attack came as a shock.
"I'm scared because this guy knows. He knows my house. He grew up with my kids since they were young. They were friends," Talentino said.
Relatives described Mancilla as a kind and loving person and a devoted father. He is survived by a young daughter who continues to feel his absence.
"Her dad passed away when she was only three, and now she has to live without her dad," said Esmerelda, the child's mother.
She said the loss still feels sudden and deeply painful.
"It hits you in the back it's unexpected. You never know who you can trust in this world," she said.
Nearly a year after Mancilla's death, his family said they are still seeking justice and are calling for a harsh sentence for Diaz when the case returns to court.
"I just want justice for Faustino, he deserves it," Esmerelda said.
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