Father Of Slain Student Speaks Out

Katie Cooper, 22, and Veronika Weiss, 19, both students at the University of California, Santa Barbara and Christopher Martinez, 20, a roommate of his killer, died at the hands of Elliot Rodger, 22, after he went on a rampage in Isla Vista, a community near the university and Santa Barbara City College.

Martinez’s father gave a wrenching statement to the news media Saturday afternoon.

He was “a really great kid” whose “death has left our family lost and broken,” Richard Martinez said.

“Our family has a message for every parent out there: You don’t think it will happen to your child until it does,” the visibly emotional parent said, his voice rising to a shout in obvious agony.

“Why did Chris die? Chris died because of craven, irresponsible politicians and the NRA. They talk about gun rights, what about Chris’ right to live?” he continued.

“When will this insanity stop?” he said. “When will enough people say, stop this madness, we don’t have to live like this? Too many have died. We should say to ourselves — not one more.”