Funeral held for Marine shot, killed on military leave in South LA
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Family and friends gathered to say goodbye to a Marine who was shot and killed in South Los Angeles while on military leave from Camp Pendleton.
An emotional service was held for 19-year-old Lance Cpl. Carlos Segovia at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Fellow Marines served as pallbearers for their fallen brother, who was shot in the head on Sept. 16.
Segovia, who earned the title of Marine six months prior, was declared brain dead on Sept. 20.
MORE: 19-year-old US Marine shot in South LA while on military leave dies
Segovia's mother delivered the eulogy and spoke about his decision to serve in the military.
"He made me the proudest mom," Sandra Lopez said. "I've been so, so proud of him because he found himself in the military."
VIDEO: Vigil held for 19-year-old Marine shot, killed in South L.A.
Segovia's family said he volunteered for a group that feeds the homeless and was active in helping to rescue animals.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti was among the speakers during the funeral mass, along with Segovia's military friends.
"(He was) a man we shouldn't have to lionize in his passing, because in his living he was what we aspire to be. Not just in our service, but in our hearts," Garcetti said.
Segovia's body was buried at the Los Angeles National Cemetery in West Los Angeles.
"I thank God for giving me such a wonderful son and now my job is to keep his memory alive," Lopez said.
MORE: $50K reward offered in search for gunman who killed 19-year-old Marine in South Los Angeles
There is a $50,000 reward being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the gunman who killed Segovia.
