Dinuba rallies around family of Irai Torres after double homicide

DINUBA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Through embraces filled with emotion, dozens lit candles in honor of Irai Torres whose life was tragically taken in a shooting on April 21 in Dinuba.

Family and members of the community alongside Dinuba Police, including an officer who was there the day of the deadly domestic violence, showing up to show support for the mother.

Dinuba Youth Football Head Coach Andrew Lopez is a mentor to Irai's 12-year-old son, Kevin. He described her as a devoted mother on and off the sidelines.

"She was always there, always with a smile," said Head Coach Lopez.

Irai leaves behind four children ranging in age from eight to 24 years old. Her niece, Ana Lara described the devoted mother as amazing.

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"She had a special needs son. She was always involved in the football and sports and on top of that she became a registered nurse. She went through nursing school having her four children.

Lara shared with Action News that her aunt had plans to pursue her master's degree in addition to the two jobs she held.

"Nothing is impossible, and she would always tell us that," said Lara.

"I believe, especially in the field that we work in - even in the darkest time, there's going be a real sunshine somewhere. Something good is going to come out of this," said Lilian Waweru, a Registered Nurse who worked alongside Torres at Bristol Hospice.

"She was a lantern that guided a lot of people," said Lopez.

The show of support from the community will continue into the weekend. Dinuba Youth Football organized a carwash fundraiser for this Sunday in Dinuba on El Monte Way from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M with all the proceeds going toward the family of Irai Torres.

For news updates, follow Christina Lopez on Facebook, X and Instagram.