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Mourning mother wants community to join her in seeking justice for her son

Lola Rios Gutierrez continues to mourn the death of her son Enrique. He disappeared in 2016 and his body has never been found.

ESPARTO, Calif. — Lola Rios Gutierrez continues to mourn the death of her son Enrique. She said it’s been especially difficult because his body has never been found. 

Both 16-year-old Enrique Rios and 17-year-old Elijah Moore disappeared in 2016. Investigators say they were brutally murdered.

“I haven't been able to have a grave for him or anything,” explained Gutierrez, “so I decided to put the most beautiful thing in my life. I love succulents so I designed [a memorial] for Enrique.”

RELATED: Jury finds David Froste guilty on all charges of murder for missing Yolo teens

Gutierrez created a memorial in her front yard, complete with a stone plaque with Enrique’s picture etched into its surface. It’s surrounded by multi-colored plants that have been lovingly arranged.

"So many people are just left without him, especially my little daughter,” said Gutierrez. “She just misses him so much. That was her first best friend and I think that will be her best friend forever."

Credit: ABC10
Both 16-year-old Enrique Rios and 17-year-old Elijah Moore disappeared in 2016. Investigators say they were brutally murdered.

Four people were charged in the deaths of Rios and Moore. David Froste was convicted of both murders and sentenced to life in prison. His brother, Jonathan Froste, made a plea deal. 

Chandale Shannon Jr. was found mentally incompetent to stand trial last year but is due back in court later in May for a competency hearing. Now, Jesus Campos’ transfer hearing is set for Monday. It will determine if he will remain in juvenile court or adult criminal court.

Gutierrez explained her greatest fear.

"It's my fear that Jesus will not be tried as an adult,” said Gutierrez. “He should be tried as an adult. He knew what he was doing. Teachers, counselors, everyone tried to fix his behaviors and his behaviors got worse."

ABC 10 reached out to Jeff Raven, Campos’ attorney for comment, but did not hear back at the time of publication. Gutierrez says she’d like to see a packed court Monday.

RELATED: Families wait for verdict, hope for justice in murder trial for missing Woodland teens

"My goal is to have every single row in the courtroom filled with people from the public, to show the judge how important our sons are,” explained Gutierrez. “To show the judge Jesus needs to be tried as an adult and to make sure that the judge knows our sons were not just nobodies, our sons are important to not just us, but the community."

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WATCH MORE: Families await justice in murder trial of missing Woodland teens

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