BURLINGTON, Wash. -- The Skagit County coroner is expected to release on Monday more information about the five people killed in the Cascade Mall shooting, but KING 5 is learning more details about the victims.
Family members say Sarai Lara, a 16-year-old cancer survivor, died when the gunman opened fire on Friday. Her mother and father were in the mall but did not go with her to Macy's, where the shooting happened. Her parents say they haven't seen their daughter's body yet and are desperate to hear from investigators.
Her mother says her daughter survived cancer and just last week her doctor told her everything was fine. She says she's saddened that her daughter had to die this way. She had also just applied for a job at Denny's and was going to start working to support the family.
Belinda Galde and Beatrice Dotson, a mother and daughter, both died in the cosmetics section of the Macy's department store where the shooting occurred.
Authorities say Galde was a probation officer. The Snohomish County District Court in a statement identified Belinda Galde as an employee with the court since 1989, the Associated Press reports. The statement says the 64-year-old Galde "was an amazingly kind and caring individual" who helped thousands of probationers find a better way to live.
KING 5's news partner The Seattle Times reports other victims were Shayla Martin, 52, a Macy's employee, and Chuck Eagan, a Boeing employee who was just about to retire. Eagan and his wife began running when the shooter opened fire. His wife fell down. Eagan stopped to help her, but was shot.
In a press conference Saturday night, Burlington Mayor Steve Sexton said the five victims did what any other Burlington resident could have done on a Friday night - they went to the mall.
"That was us in that mall last night," Sexton said. "Any one of us at any time."
Community members in Skagit County gathered Saturday at Maiben Park to grieve and support one another. Organizers called it "Skagit Strong."
The victims of the Cascade Mall shooting are being remembered by family, friends and the community. Pastors and counselors of congregations were offering support to those impacted by the shooting.
His Place Church, where survivors were reunited with their loved ones after the shooting, held a vigil for the victims Saturday. Attendees prayed for the victims and connected with other community members seeking support.
“When people come together and share their hearts it relieves that stress,” said Patty, a "Skagit Strong" organizer.
There will be a Light Up the Boulevard candlelight vigil Monday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. to remember the victims. It will be in the Cascade Mall parking lot between Applebee's and Johnny Carino's.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
