Cape Coral family seeks to end gun violence in memory of murdered teen

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

The family of Kayla Rincon-Miller, a 15-year-old from Cape Coral who was murdered nearly two years ago, is launching "Kayla's House" to combat gun violence and prevent future tragedies.

Trish Routte from Southwest Florida Crimestoppers said, "Kayla's House is all about doing everything that we can to educate parents and kids."

Kayla Rincon-Miller was walking with friends from the Marquee Cinema to McDonald's near SE 20th Street and SE 16th Place on March 14, 2024, when someone jumped out of an SUV and opened fire, killing her.

The suspects in her murder are two teenagers, Christopher Horne Jr. and Thomas Stein, who somehow obtained a gun.

"And also, you know, a big part of this also is parents, if you have guns, don't make them accessible to your kids," Routte said.

Kayla's family hopes the event can help other families avoid the pain and loss they have endured because of gun violence.

Sharmine López, Kayla's cousin, said, "Our hope is that all those people who are involved come to justice."

Thomas Stein is back in court Monday, with his trial expected to start soon. Christopher Horne Jr. is scheduled to be sentenced in May and could face up to 25 years in prison.

The event will be held at the William "Bill" Austen Youth Center along Southwest 2nd Avenue in Cape Coral Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.

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