Vigil held for Salinas football player shot, killed

It’s been three days since 16-year-old Carlos Robles was found shot to death. On Friday night, friends and family had the chance to say goodbye.

More than 100 people gathered at Northgate Park in Salinas. It was an emotional night, not just for the family, but for the entire North Salinas High School community where Robles was a sophomore.

“He always had a smile on his face,” one of his friends said while at the vigil.

Friends and family wore white instead of black for the life taken too soon. Others showed their support decked out in North Salinas High School gear where the teen played varsity football.

“He was such a good man. He was a nice young man, loved playing football. He was so happy, always had a smile on his face,” said his sister, Vanessa Rojas.

On Tuesday night, Robles was found dead on the 1500 block of Duran Street. Police said he was gunned down inside a car by a man on a bike. The driver, another teenager, was also shot but survived.

“I miss my brother. We all do,” said Rojas.

Those attending the vigil tried tofocus on Carlos’ life, rather than on how he died. Loved ones said they want him to be remembered for all that he gave.

Still, one of his friends said, “The fact that he’s gone it hurts a lot.”

So far police have made no arrests.