Salinas candlelight vigil to remember children killed after ‘ongoing abuse’

On Wednesday night, family and community members gathered to remember 3-year-old Delylah Tara and 6-year-old Shaun Tara outside their former home in Salinas.

Both children were found dead in a storage locker in Redding almost two weeks ago.

“I want to tell you all to hold your babies so close and so tight. Don’t ever let them go because you just don’t know, you just don’t know,” said Joy Tara, the victim’s grandmother.

During the gathering, members of the family of the two children were understandably emotional. Neighbors came out to show their support, many carrying white balloons which they later released in honor of the two kids.

“There’s so many people that showed love and support for these babies that didn’t know them and I want to thank each and every one of them,” said Joy Tara.

Salinas Police said both children died as a result of ongoing physical abuse, that started in Salinas. Chief Kelly McMillin called the case the worst abuse he’s ever seen.

“This obviously has touched all of our hearts. It’s been very painful from the moment we heard about this. This being our city andour children,” said Debbie Aguila, the organizer of the vigil.

Charges have been filed against two alleged killers, 39-year-old Tami Huntsman and 17-year-old Gonzalo Curiel. But on Wednesday, night the community and family said it’s focusing on Shaun and Delylah.

“They were really good kids and they deserved a lot more than they got. They are gods angels now and I want to thank the community so much for coming forward and helping us with this,” said Joy Tara.