"Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever."
That was 19-year-old Deston Garrett's senior quote. The former football player from Sacramento High School was supposed to walk the stage Monday night at Memorial Auditorium, but he was shot and killed over the weekend.
On Thursday, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department responded to a shooting at an Oak Park home. Garrett was transported to the hospital and was in critical condition until he passed away on Saturday.
On Sunday, hundreds, including family, friends, classmates, teammates, and even strangers, gathered at Sac High for a vigil to remember Deston, also nicknamed "Nutter."
"He was a good kid and as everybody can see, he was well loved," said Tanya Bean-Garrett, Deston’s mother. "He was very outgoing, very kind, always wanting to help everybody."
Bean-Garrett adds that her son was always opening up their home for friends who needed a place to stay.
Sacramento County Sheriff's Department is still investigating what led to the shooting.
The Garrett family believes it may have been an accident, but hopes whoever is responsible comes forward.
"They know who they are," Bean-Garrett said. "They need to come forward and face the consequences."
For this family, there is now a greater purpose. Bean-Garrett has already connected with Dr. Nicole Clavo, who lost her son JJ to gun violence last year and has become known as an advocate for change.
"She called me today and I'm definitely going to be one of those folks," Bean-Garrett said.
As Deston's parents prepare for a funeral instead of celebrating graduation, they promise they will get him justice.
"I love you Deston," Bean-Garrett said. "[You] might not be walking across the stage, but I know you are walking higher."
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with expenses as they prepare for a funeral.