Dozens of community members gathered Monday night at Potrero Del Sol Park, a short walk from the Mission District apartment building where 17‑year‑old Rolando Jose Dusuau, known as “RJ,” lived with his mother and two younger brothers. The vigil honored RJ, who was shot and killed on Oct. 16 near the Potrero Hill Terrace and Annex public housing complex.
Vigil details and personal tributes
Aztec dancers in traditional beaded dresses opened the ceremony, moving in synchronized steps around a candle‑lit altar on an outdoor stage. The altar displayed a painted portrait of RJ, a 49ers‑themed stuffed bear from his childhood, framed photos from his infancy and teenage years, and his favorite Sour Patch Kids candy. Fresh baby’s breath and marigold flowers added a gentle fragrance to the scene.
RJ’s mother, Christina Onopa, shared that the altar also held a large order of McDonald’s fries and a McDouble— a meal RJ often asked her to buy. The usual large Sprite was missing, a small detail that reminded family and friends of his everyday preferences.
Family remembers a resilient teen
RJ’s aunt, Monica “Tia Mo” Onopa, described her nephew as “a teenage boy beyond his years.” She noted that RJ had endured the suicide of his father when he was 14, a loss that “hits, especially a young kid, really hard.” Despite that trauma, RJ “was able to put that aside to help all these other kids,” she said, referencing his recent training to become a youth counselor.
Christina Onopa recalled RJ’s childhood fascination with dinosaurs and his dream of becoming a paleontologist. She added that, once people got to know him, his “silly side, his funny side” emerged, and he was always ready with a joke.
Friends and mentors speak on RJ’s character
Briana Boteo, RJ’s case manager at Sunset Youth Services, said that when RJ felt comfortable, his body language spoke volumes about his kindness. “He was really focused and committed to doing better in his life,” Boteo noted, emphasizing his transformation from a troubled teen to a hopeful mentor.
Long‑time family friend Priscilla Beltran, who grew up alongside RJ, remembered his inclusive nature. “He always made sure I was okay even if we didn’t talk as much… He always made sure I was included in anything and everything,” she said.
Community response and ongoing investigation
Police have arrested a male teenage suspect in connection with RJ’s death, but have not released the suspect’s name or any details about his relationship to RJ. The community’s focus, however, remains on celebrating RJ’s life and the positive impact he was beginning to make.
RJ was a senior at George Washington High School in the Richmond district and was participating in a training program at Horizons, a San Francisco nonprofit that supports at‑risk Latino youth and other youth of color. Friends and neighbors described him as a quiet, shy teen who, once trusted, showed a generous spirit and a desire to help others navigate hard times.
Looking forward
The vigil undersced the importance of community support for at‑risk youth and highlighted the need for continued mentorship programs like Horizons. As the Mission District mourns RJ’s loss, residents hope his legacy will inspire more young people to become counselors, mentors, and advocates for their peers.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
