Family, friends pay respects to Lizette Cuesta at San Jose vigil

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU) - Some of Lizette Cuesta’s family and friends held an emotional vigil Tuesday night, at the one place where the 19-year-old had found peace and relaxation. Great Oaks Park in South San Jose was the scene for the vigil. Even in the deepest darkness, there is light. Carrying the weight of broken hearts, family and friends of Lizette Cuesta have come to pay respects, and seek  a small measure of peace.

“I’m glad it’s here. I’m glad it’s at the place that I skated with her. The place that we laughed even talked smack to each other,” said a friend, who didn’t want to give his name.

Cuesta’s body was found dumped roadside in Livermore Monday. She had been stabbed multiple times, and eventually succumbed to her wounds.

“We’re just trying to get through this. And nobody expects a tragedy like this. So, it’s kind of hard to get through it,” said Alejandra Hernandez, a family friend, as she struggled to hold back tears.

Cuesta attended Silver Creek High School in South San Jose – graduating in 2016. Late Tuesday, former classmates expressed shock at how someone so full of life, could loose her life in such a violent manner..

“She was like a very kind person that was always humble and was always willing to help others. yeah it makes it worse knowing that, like, a person’s life being taken away.. it sucks just hearing someone dying,” said current Silver Creek student Jacky Chan, who spent two years at the school with Cuesta.

The skate community is also grieving. Liz, as those close to her called her, was a novice at skateboarding but was determined to get better.

“She (was progressing) too, and just take her time. She would learn on herself too. That was kool,” said skateboarding friend Brandon Bermudez.

Now, friends and family are saying goodbye to young woman known for both strength and kindness. As they try to use her memory to pierce the darkness, with light.

“She fought to the end just to get word of the people who did this to her. So just to honor her courage and her will to get justice for her,” said Hernandez.