Early Wednesday morning, 20-year-old Emily Ruiz was tragically shot and killed at the home she lived at in Naples Manor. No one has been arrested yet.
Emily's two closest friends, Reland Egalite and Savannah Seabury, spoke with Gulf Coast News, sharing their heartbreak over the loss of someone they considered family. Through tears, they expressed the pain of losing Emily, describing the special bond they shared.
"I can't function without her. I just miss you so much, best friend. I just miss you," said Reland Egalite.
Savannah Seabury said Ruiz tried to call her shortly before the shooting.
"She was just like, yo, pick up. And mind you, I fell asleep when I got home, so I answered, like, two hours later," Seabury said.
According to the Collier County Sheriff's Office, just after midnight on Wednesday, a 911 call was placed reporting suspicious activity at a home near Parkside Elementary and Lely High School. When deputies arrived at the scene on Texas Avenue, they found Emily suffering from gunshot wounds.
CCSO detectives spent hours at the scene, collecting evidence and using K-9 units and a helicopter to search for a suspect. Despite their efforts, no arrest has been made, and Emily’s killer remains on the run.
For Reland and Savannah, the loss is unbearable. The trio was inseparable, spending time together nearly every day. "We went to underground pools, casinos, and bowling and even enjoyed clubbing at Hispanic clubs. Emily loved being surrounded by her people," Reland said.
Seabury said, "We would all be together, like, every day, and she's just really sweet and nice. Like, this was really unexpected. I don't know, like, how this could have happened. Like, that's. She's the last person I ever thought something that, like this could have happened to."
In honor of their late friend, the two have gotten matching tattoos of Emily's name to ensure her memory lives on.
"She's still going to live on through us," Reland said. "Whoever did this, if they don’t get caught, you’re always going to see her on my face. You’ll be reminded of what you did to my best friend."
Reland and Savannah are determined to seek justice for Emily.
"I want closure, at least. Who did it, and why? She really didn’t deserve this. Her heart was so pure; she was a good person," Reland said.
To honor Emily’s memory, her friends and family will be holding an event this Sunday around 6 p.m. at her memorial. Emily's friends said to wear pink, because that was Emily's favorite color.