Family and friends remembered Desiree Rivas on senior night Friday. Police say the 17-year-old was shot and killed leaving a house party in May 2023 . With the one-year mark nearing, Phoenix police said there are no updates in the case, and still no arrests made.
Pictures, balloons, and pink ribbons filled the gym at Cesar Chavez High School Friday night.
“This is a time that she should have been here,” said Rivas’ mom, Vanessa Gonzales.
She told ABC15 senior night would have been a highlight for her daughter.
“She would love it, and just I think she would definitely get teary-eyed,” said Gonzales.
There is still a $12,000 reward on the table for information, but Gonzales said it’s hard to not have justice for her daughter.
“It’s not only hard to move on without a child, but it’s hard to know that the person that took your child away is not behind bars,” said Gonzales.
She said every day has brought a rollercoaster of emotions, but the Cesar Chavez community — especially the school’s cheer team— has been helping Gonzales and her family.