Henry Pratt Company shooting in Aurora remembered with memorial ceremony 6 years after 5 people were killed
Share and Follow

AURORA, Ill. (WLS) — West suburban Aurora marked six years since the mass shooting at the Henry Pratt Company on Saturday.

Russel Beyer, Vincente Juarez, Clayton Parks, Josh Pinkard and Trevor Wehner were killed when a disgruntled employee walked into the company’s warehouse and opened fire Feb. 15, 2019. A sixth employee was shot but survived.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Minutes after the workplace shooting, when police officers arrived, the gunman opened fire again and injured five responding officers.

Community members say the date February 15 doesn’t get any easier for the city of Aurora.

Abby Parks was one of the victims’ family members in attendance at the ceremony, remembering the life of her husband Clayton Parks with her 6-year-old son Axel.

“You are enveloped with a lot of memories, hurt, pain. But the city of aurora has showed me and son and my family so much kindness,” Parks said.

A wreath and flowers were placed in front of pictures of the five victims during a ceremony at Aurora City Hall.

Six years ago, a lone gunman, who was an employee at Henry Pratt Company, opened fire on his coworkers. Among them was Vincente Juarez, a forklift driver and a beloved father and grandfather.

“How loving he was to me and the kids… to my mom… just a really good person,” the victim’s daughter Diana Juarez said.

SEE ALSO | Aurora shooting victims: What we know about those killed in Henry Pratt warehouse shooting

“The day that everything happened, I thought he was going to come home and everything would be normal again,” the victim’s granddaughter Genesis said. “But it just hasn’t been the same… he was the best grandpa ever.”

The shooting having a profound effect on the city. The ceremony on Saturday allowed the community to pause and reflect.

“We have to remember to stay Aurora strong, to make sure things like this don’t happen again,” Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin said. “As long as we remember, hopefully we don’t repeat those same tragic events that happened six years ago.”

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Center Point principal placed on leave following arrest

Center Point School Principal Suspended After Arrest

The following story was written by Terry Schrimscher of the Trussville Tribune.…

115 Animals Rescued from Denver House: Here’s How You Can Assist

DENVER (KDVR) There are 115 animals currently being cared for by the…
Monkeys 'running a scam' at sacred temple, frustrated tourists say after phone thefts

Monkeys ‘running a scam’ at sacred temple, frustrated tourists say after phone thefts

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Monkeys have been stealing…
New Yorkers mourn a fallen hero —but don't count Zohran Mamdani among them

New Yorkers Mourn a Fallen Hero—Why Zohran Mamdani Isn’t Among Them

Gotham has faced another tragic loss: Police Officer Didarul Islam was the…
Travis Kelce helps break up Chiefs training camp fight

Travis Kelce Intervenes to Stop Fight at Chiefs Training Camp

Travis Kelce aimed to stop “Cruel Summer” from starting at the Chiefs…
Northwestern funding freeze: Northwestern University faculty members urge 'no deal' with Donald Trump administration

Northwestern University Professors Call for Funding Halt: Reject Cooperation with Trump Administration

EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) — One professor, part of a larger group of…
Border czar says ICE arrests include 70% criminals, 30% threats

ICE Arrests: 70% Involve Criminals, While 30% Pose Threats, Border Chief Reveals

() Federal immigration raids have increased across the nation under the Trump…
Medical examiner will decide if NYC shooter Shane Tamura's brain will be tested for CTE, Adams says

Medical Examiner to Determine if NYC Shooter Shane Tamura’s Brain Will be Tested for CTE, Says Adams

The brain of the depraved shooter Shane Tamura might be examined for…