5 Years After Izaac Colunga Was Left Injured in Gunfire, Police Arrest 3 People

A boxer’s dream, shattered by a trigger’s pull, remained suspended in time—until now. Izaac Colunga’s world ceased to spin in 2019, as bullets rained, robbing him of movement but not spirit. The ring was his home, a sanctuary where champions were forged and futures glinted with promise. That fateful night, gunfire tested hope. Riverside streets, often quiet in the early hours, became the backdrop for a life-changing tragedy.

Colunga, once a beacon of potential in the boxing community, faced a new opponent: paralysis. While he fought to reclaim his life, detectives fought to piece together a puzzle left cold for years. Now, after half a decade, three men are in cuffs, hinting at a delayed but brewing storm of justice.

The long road to justice for Izaac Colunga

Izaac Colunga’s boxing record was unblemished, a stellar constellation of victories that hinted at greatness. In the ring, his agility and power spoke of a champion in the making, his gloves scripting an undefeated narrative across four professional bouts. He was not just a fighter but a rising star destined to etch his name in the annals of boxing lore.

However, on that ill-starred March night, the trajectory of his life took an abrupt and tragic turn. As Colunga gathered with friends, an unanticipated drive-by shooting unfolded on the quiet streets of Riverside. The staccato of gunshots shattered the tranquility, and a bullet found its mark, severing the spinal cord of the promising athlete. This single moment of senseless violence paralyzed him from the neck down, halting his boxing dreams in their tracks.

Consequently, the search for his assailants hit wall after wall, with leads turning cold and the case meandering through a maze of dead ends. Yet, detectives persevered, their determination unwavering. Utilizing advanced forensic techniques and relentless investigation, the Riverside Police’s Homicide Cold Case Unit broke new ground. Their efforts led to the pivotal moment, five years later, when they apprehended the trio of suspects responsible for the shooting.

The arrest of Dereck Anthony Wood, Raymond Floyd Cervin, and Donte Justice Reese marked a significant breakthrough. Executed with precision and the weight of long-awaited justice. Charged with attempted murder, these men now face the consequences of that night’s actions. As the case against them gathers momentum, propelling it forward with newfound evidence and testimonies.

Izaac Colunga’s grit on the long road to recovery

In the wake of the devastating drive-by that halted his boxing ascension, Izaac Colunga confronts his toughest opponent yet: paralysis. With an impressive 4-0 record halted in mid-climb, the 25-year-old Riverside pugilist now channels his fighter’s tenacity into a grueling rehabilitation process. After enduring life support and intensive surgery, Izaac shows signs of progress—feeling hunger, a sensation absent since that fateful night.

As he battles for recovery in Colorado, his family’s life orbits his needs, their jobs forsaken to stand by his side. The community rallies, too, with over 620 individuals attending a fundraiser organized by Garcia Promotions, infusing Izaac’s journey with hope and support. His struggle transcends the ring, with every small victory marking a step towards reclaiming his life.

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As we reflect on Izaac’s journey, we are compelled to ask ourselves: What challenges can we overcome when bolstered by the strength of those around us?

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