Mourners Commemorate Life Cut Short by Tragedy

To friends, John Anthony Lara III was a a happy-go-lucky teenager but serious Christian, full of life and promise. To his family he was simply “John-John.”

Less than two weeks ago, the 20-year-old Lara and two other Orange County men were killed execution style in Colorado, apparently, authorities say, by a troubled young man whom the trio had tried to steer toward Christianity.

On Thursday afternoon, more than 100 family members and friends gathered at Calvary Chapel in Santa Ana to mourn the loss of Lara and to celebrate his short life.

“John-John was a very caring and loved man,” said Melody Lara, his sister. “He was always willing to help people both good and bad.

“He helped me when I was going down the wrong path by reminding me of my talents,” continued Melody, as her two sisters stood beside her. “We miss our brother dearly, but knowing that he is in heaven with the Lord makes us rejoice.”

Lara and his two friends, Joshua Turville and Steven David Bates, moved to Bayfield, Colo., where the three ministered to wayward youth. The young men had known one another since fourth grade and attended El Modena High School in Orange together.

But 18-year-old Joseph Gallegos, a recent juvenile parolee whom the trio befriended in Colorado, killed them on Sept. 24, according to police. Gallegos was later killed by a police sniper 400 miles away in his former girlfriend’s dormitory.

During the memorial service, more than half a dozen people eulogized Lara. One of the more emotional moments came when Anita Torkelson, the mother of Lara’s girlfriend, Kirsten, spoke. Three years ago, Kirsten became pregnant with Lara’s child, recalled Torkelson, as she choked back tears. Kirsten kept the child.

“A lot of time when this happens the guy disappears, but John was just the opposite, “ she said. “He was such a loyal friend to Kirsten all the way through. He became a real important part of our family.”

Steve Turville, father of Joshua Turville, also kindly remembered Lara and a car caravan to Colorado.

Lara “was so excited to be going to a new adventure and a new place. He was looking forward to what God would do with him,” Turville said. “We knew him like a son.”

A brief video showed Lara at birthdays, weddings, as a Cub Scout, building homes for the poor in Mexico and Germany, and playing the guitar and basketball.

Denise J. Arnst and her son Anthony had known John since boyhood. Anthony received a letter from Lara the day of his death.

“He was so happy living in the mountains,” said Denise Arnst, in tears. “He always had such a smile. I know he’s with God.”