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Raul Melendez-Healing Through Speaking: A Family's Journey After the El Paso Walmart Shooting
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For Raul Melendez and his family, August 3, 2019, began as an ordinary Saturday. His daughter Kaitlyn was shopping with her grandparents at Walmart during Tax-Free Weekend. Then, a phone call changed everything: "My dad, he was shot."
What followed was a nightmare of chaos, confusion, and eventually, devastating loss. Raul's father-in-law David was among the 23 people killed in the El Paso Walmart shooting, dying heroically as he shielded his granddaughter and wife from the gunman. Under a court-mandated gag order for nearly six years, this is Raul's first opportunity to share his family's story publicly.
The conversation reveals the profound, lasting trauma experienced by shooting survivors and their families. Kaitlyn, now approaching 15, still attends therapy weekly and struggles with loud noises and the smell of gunpowder. Raul's military PTSD has taken on new purpose as he helps his daughter navigate her own trauma. Meanwhile, his wife Stephanie has become the family's rock, caring for her mother who lost her provider and their daughter who lost her sense of safety.
Perhaps most frustrating for the families has been the protracted legal process. While the federal case moved relatively quickly, the state case has dragged on for years despite promises from prosecutors. "This is a win, this is a no-lose case," Raul explains, questioning why justice has been so elusive. The recent decision to forgo the death penalty feels like another letdown after years of waiting.
Through their pain, the Melendez family has found unexpected sources of support, including a biker group called Guardians of the Children who "adopted" Kaitlyn and attend her events. Their story is a powerful reminder of how violence tears through communities long after the shooting stops and headlines fade. Despite everything, they're determined to rebuild their lives and honor David's memory by moving forward.
Have you checked on someone who's experienced trauma lately? Reach out, listen, and simply be there. Sometimes healing starts with breaking the silence.
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By Arnie WongSend us a text
For Raul Melendez and his family, August 3, 2019, began as an ordinary Saturday. His daughter Kaitlyn was shopping with her grandparents at Walmart during Tax-Free Weekend. Then, a phone call changed everything: "My dad, he was shot."
What followed was a nightmare of chaos, confusion, and eventually, devastating loss. Raul's father-in-law David was among the 23 people killed in the El Paso Walmart shooting, dying heroically as he shielded his granddaughter and wife from the gunman. Under a court-mandated gag order for nearly six years, this is Raul's first opportunity to share his family's story publicly.
The conversation reveals the profound, lasting trauma experienced by shooting survivors and their families. Kaitlyn, now approaching 15, still attends therapy weekly and struggles with loud noises and the smell of gunpowder. Raul's military PTSD has taken on new purpose as he helps his daughter navigate her own trauma. Meanwhile, his wife Stephanie has become the family's rock, caring for her mother who lost her provider and their daughter who lost her sense of safety.
Perhaps most frustrating for the families has been the protracted legal process. While the federal case moved relatively quickly, the state case has dragged on for years despite promises from prosecutors. "This is a win, this is a no-lose case," Raul explains, questioning why justice has been so elusive. The recent decision to forgo the death penalty feels like another letdown after years of waiting.
Through their pain, the Melendez family has found unexpected sources of support, including a biker group called Guardians of the Children who "adopted" Kaitlyn and attend her events. Their story is a powerful reminder of how violence tears through communities long after the shooting stops and headlines fade. Despite everything, they're determined to rebuild their lives and honor David's memory by moving forward.
Have you checked on someone who's experienced trauma lately? Reach out, listen, and simply be there. Sometimes healing starts with breaking the silence.
Support the show