By admin TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The Tucson Police Department said the shooting outside a Tucson gay bar earlier this week was a hate crime and a double murder-suicide.
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The shooting happened in the parking lot of Venture-N, which is near Sixth and Speedway, early in the morning on Monday, Aug. 31.
Authorities said 44-year-old Ousman Ceesay got into an argument with the two victims in the parking lot. That fight led to a shooting that left 42-year-old Vincent Anthony Siqueiros and 33-year-old Cameron Davis Capara dead.
The TPD said there was no connection between the suspect and the victims.
The TPD said Ceesay had a list of LGBTQ+ businesses on him when he died and that they found evidence at his home that he planned the targeted attack on the gay community.
Vigil grows outside bar
A vigil has been growing outside Venture-N since the night of the shooting, as people have brought flowers and candles.
Alexis McCants, a friend and co-worker of Siqueiros, said she was in shock after learning of his death.
“At first I didn’t believe it…there was just no way, you know,” McCants said.
“I just don’t know why somebody would do that to anybody, let alone somebody so amazing,” McCants said.
McCants said she met Siqueiros at work three years ago and the two had been close ever since.
“Partners in crime, you know, just laughing and having a good time all the time,” McCants said. “He was like a big brother to me, you know, and we spent multiple birthdays and holidays together.”
“I’ve never had someone so close to me pass away, especially in such a hateful manner,” McCants said.
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McCants said Venture-N was Siqueiros’ favorite place.
“He’d spent so many hours and days there, so many nights just hanging out, and for it to happen there is especially hard,” McCants said.
Second victim remembered as “like a brother”
Capara’s picture was placed alongside Siqueiros’ in the vigil outside the bar.
Adam Blanchette, a friend of Capara, said he also met Capara at work.
“When I saw his name, I couldn’t believe it,” Blanchette said after learning the news of his death from social media.
“He was very much like a brother to my wife and me – he was very compassionate; he was very kind to my family with my kids growing up,” Blanchette said.
Blanchette said Capara served as photographer and witness at his wedding.
“He was actually a big part of me and my wife because he was actually our photographer and witness at our wedding, so he holds a very special place in our hearts,” Blanchette said.
Blanchette said Capara used his photography skills to document protests.
“He was such a kind and caring soul; he never judged anybody for who they were and what they believed in. He truly believed in what he fought for and everything when it came to a lot of the rights, especially around Arizona,” Blanchette said.
Vigil planned for victims
A vigil for the victims is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Catalina Park splash pad.
13 News will be there and will report from the event.
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