The 21-year-old man who was shot and killed early Saturday during his own birthday party in Kent has been identified as Jose Calderon, according to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office and family members.
As we previously reported, the fatal shooting occurred after uninvited guests showed up at the celebration and became confrontational when asked to leave, relatives said.
One or more individuals opened fire, striking Calderon.
He was rushed to the hospital, where sadly, he later passed away from a gunshot wound to his torso.
“Jose was full of life, love, and hope for the future. He had his whole life ahead of him, and he was surrounded by people who cared deeply for him,” Jose’s sister, Tania Calderon, wrote on a GoFundMe page created to help with funeral expenses.
The Calderon family is now asking for help to return Jose’s body to Mexico, where he will be buried with his parents. The GoFundMe fundraiser, titled Honoring Jose: A Birthday Tragedy, seeks to cover transportation and burial costs.
As of Tuesday, no arrests had been reported. The suspects fled the scene, and Kent Police are continuing their investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Kent Police.
Everyone at South King Media sends their deepest sympathies to all who knew and loved Jose.
