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Teen Center To Be Named For Slain Councilman
Matt Garcia Shot While Visiting Friend
POSTED: 7:23 am PDT September 5,
2008
UPDATED: 7:51 pm PDT September 5,
2008
FAIRFIELD, Calif. -- Fairfield leaders on Friday said a new teen center will named after slain City Councilman Matt Garcia.Garcia, who had been brain dead since being shot in the head four days ago, was taken off life support and died at 6 a.m. Friday at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, a nursing supervisor said.Meanwhile, police continue searching for the gunman, who fired multiple shots at Garcia in Cordelia Monday night.
Garcia's body was taken to the Contra Costa County Coroner's Office. An autopsy was conducted.The new teen center was originally going to be named after developer and philanthropist Billy Yarbrough, but Yarbrough's family now wants the center named for 22-year-old Garcia."Naming this facility in honor of Matt is the right thing to do," said Anthony Russo, son-in-law of Yarbrough.Russo said his family grew to love Garcia. "We're devastated by his loss," he added.Yarbrough died on July 21.Ron Marlette, spokesman for the Garcia family, thanked the Yarbroughs for the honor."This was a very special gesture," Marlette said.Police Lt. Bob Bunting said local, state and federal authorites were busy Friday following up on tips from the public.Sources close to the investigation said that friend, Jennifer Tarbell, on Thursday spoke to detectives about the shooting.Police said they have not identified the shooter.The gunman is described as a man in his late teens or early 20s who left the scene in a mid-90s, American model sedan.A prayer service was held Thursday night for the young elected official, and a viewing is scheduled for Monday at his former high school.Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced a $50,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest. Fairfield police have offered an additional $1,000 reward.
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