BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A snowball fight in the front yard offered a few moments of escape for a family still deeply grieving.
"Isaac was my life," said Kiwi Carvajales, Isaac Ruiz's fiancée.
Kiwi is the mother of the 37-year-old's three children. Three children now without a father because a gunman took him away.
"He was stolen from us. He was taken at such a young age," adds Isaac's sister, Lorraine Gonzalez.
It was May 15, 2023 on a sunny and unseasonably warm spring day. Isaac was at the crowded Lake Padden Park in Bellingham hanging out with friends.
His family said he heard gunshots and ran to investigate. That's when he was shot and killed.
"It felt like it wasn't true," said Isaac's mother, Heather Trythall. "Isaac was my go-to. I just thought it can't be true. Not Isaac. Not Isaac."
Details surrounding the shooting are sparse, but the family doesn't believe Isaac was targeted. Police know there are witnesses to the killing who haven't come forward.
Isaac's family is pleading with anyone who was at Lake Padden on May 15, 2023 to come forward. Even a random photograph or video could have important information somewhere in it - information that can help this family heal.
"The pain that I feel today is still just as raw as the day it happened," said Heather, wiping away tears.
It's the same for everyone. Especially the children. They're just not the same since their dad died. Especially Isaac's youngest daughter.
"For the first four months my daughter would ask me when she was gonna be able to go to Heaven because she wanted to see her dad," said Kiwi, her voice drifting off. "No parent should ever have to hear their 5 or 6 year old say that."
For now, Kiwi finds comfort in the last words she ever received from Isaac just before he was killed at the park. It's a text message about his family that reads, "Well, I found a cool spot where we can bring the rug rats."
It's those "rug rats" who are driving the family's longing to bring justice for Isaac Ruiz.
"We won't stop. We won't stop," said Heather. "None of us will."
Bellingham police released a statement reading, "If you were present at the park, or you saw or heard an argument or shooting, you are encouraged to contact Bellingham Police through our non-emergency dispatch center by calling 360-676-6911 or online at www.cob.org/tips. Pleases reference case number 23B28796."
A $5,000 reward, $4,000 of it from the family, is being offered for information leading to the capture of the killer.
You can also contact Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound.