Family of Iran Moreno-Balvaneda Raises Nearly $22,000 for Memorial Services

The family of a 13-year old boy killed by a stray bullet last weekend is closing in on its GoFundMe goal for memorial expenses.

Iran Moreno-Balvaneda was shot and killed while playing video games at his home on North Raymond Avenue on Saturday.

According to police he was not the target of the shooting.

As of Thursday morning, the family has raised $21,900 of its $30,000 goal.

“With a heavy heart we are acknowledging the terrible tragedy of the death of my nephew,” the family wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Iran. Only 13 years old and with a whole bright future ahead of him, he was the victim of a violent act. He was struck and killed by gunfire while in his room.”

“My family is devastated and heartbroken.”

“With so much pain, I ask for your help to financially ease this unfortunate time. Iran is survived by his parents, sister and two brothers. I am at a loss for words, but I just want to thank you in advance for any contribution that will help with funeral arrangements and expenses they may face during this time of grief.”

On Monday 200 people attended a vigil at Villa Parke. Before that several members of the City Council appeared on the steps of City Hall to call on the shooter to turn himself in.

“It really hurts all of us in this community to know that a young man’s life was taken in the city of Pasadena,” said Mayor Victor Gordo. “This is a city that historically has fought to protect people in their neighborhoods, in their parks and particularly young children. And so when we learned of this devastating news on Saturday night, we were all touched. We were all touched as human beings. We were all touched as parents. We were all touched as representatives of that young man and his family.”

Police would not reveal details of their investigation, but Deputy Chief Cheryl Moody said the police are gathering intelligence on the shooting.

Over the past two years the Pasadena Police Department has taken nearly 700 illegal guns off the streets.

“We’re working with different members of different entities to gather more gang intelligence, to see what specifically is going on. But again, we need the community’s help. We need them to come forward. Those who know anything, come forward and help us figure out what’s going on.”