10-05-2025
'We just want peace': Family of Milo Suniga holds car wash for funeral of Glendale shooting victim
A car wash held outside CFM Church in Glendale raised funds to help cover the funeral expenses of 21-year-old Milo Suniga, who was killed in the May 4 shooting at a crowded dance party.
Just five minutes from the scene where three people, including Milo Suniga, were killed, Glendale residents gathered under the hot sun on May 10 to support his family and help raise funds for his burial.
Lowriders and classic cars rolled into the church's parking lot, covered in dirt from recent rain and wind, but left shining after being washed and detailed by dozens of volunteers.
Milo's parents, Jamey and Angel Suniga, were embraced by numerous community members, some they knew from a recent community vigil for their son, and others there to ensure the car wash ran smoothly.
"We just want peace," Jamey said. "It's not just us ― a lot of people lost their families. We grieve for them too."
Brothers Damien Anthony Sproule, 17, and Christopher Juaquin Sproule, 21, both died as a result of the shooting.
Jamey stood next to her husband, Angel, who stepped away from detailing one of the many cars at the wash to stress "not to hate, but to love."
The father said he asked Glendale police to provide a marked police unit to help the community feel safe at the event. At least one police vehicle was seen on the outskirts of a parking lot where the church is located.
"We give this to God. It's not better to have a grudge ... we have to teach our kids," Angel said, his young daughter standing next to him.
"She has his (Milo's) eyes," Angel said.
Pastor James Martinez of CFM Church and his parish helped support the fundraiser, with many church members making up the crew who washed each car.
Pastor Martinez, who lost his own son in a shooting in the West Valley, was driven by his faith to take action and support the Suniga family.
"This is why I'm here to help these folks, because I know what they're going through."
Parishioner Edgar Parra helped wash cars in the hot sun and said the CFM Church helped him understand "my past no longer defines me ... that applies to anyone," he said.
Marisol Oliva-Valenzuela, a family friend of the Sunigas, has known Milo since he was young. Her three sons were also a big part of Milo's life, forming a close-knit group that enjoyed laughing and playing video games together.
"Milo's always been the class clown, always getting everybody to laugh and joke around," said Oliva-Valenzuela.
She remembered Milo's genuine respect for others, including his elders. "Not all the kids do that," Oliva-Valenzuela said.
Her own sons were headed to El Camaron Gigante the night of the shooting to meet friends, including Milo, but when they arrived, they found ambulances and police vehicles outside the establishment and didn't find out that Milo was among the three people killed until early the following morning.
"He's (Milo) always been the one who's been the protector or the peacemaker, and that's why they want the community to keep peace and remember his name," Oliva-Valenzuela said.
Jeffrey Asuncion grew up with Milo's father, Angel Suniga, since he was a child, and the two both had 21-year-old sons, the age Milo was when he was killed.
"He was a good kid. Hardworking ... he wasn't in trouble, he wasn't in gangs or anything, he was just in the wrong place," Asuncion said.
Milo was one of the first people Anthony Rodriguez met when he first started a job in a warehouse where the two would become friends. Even after Rodriguez found a different job, the two stayed in touch on Instagram, even up until Milo's death.
"I had seen the shooting in the news, but something about this one felt different."
Milo's drive, humble and hardworking nature were qualities that Rodriguez said made Milo a trusted friend.
"It's like you knew him forever," Rodriguez said.
Recorded: This man captured 2 key moments on video from the El Camaron Gigante shooting in Glendale
Reach reporter Rey Covarrubias Jr. at rcovarrubias@ Follow him on X, Threads and Bluesky @ReyCJrAZ.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Glendale church hosts car wash for Milo Suniga after fatal shooting
