“There are moments in life when words are simply not enough. We don’t always know what to say. We don’t always understand why things happen, and sometimes there are no explanations that can take away the pain. But tonight we can do something– friends and families– we can stand together.” Pastor Adin Aguilon said at a vigil service honoring Jaydin Lewis and Kimberly Pastor, the two victims that were killed in a shooting at Artist Lounge, on the corner of Nordhoff St. and Reseda Blvd.
The victims have been identified by their families, though the LAPD have not officially released their names.
Taking place Sunday, Oct. 4, two days after the incident, the vigil was scheduled by the Artist Lounge owner, Irene Ajemyan-Lake and held at the same venue where the tragedy occurred.
According to a post from the Valley Views SFV Instagram account Lewis’s family made a statement disapproving of the vigil being hosted by the Artist Lounge, and discouraged people from attending the event.
“These efforts do not represent our family or our wishes,” they said. “We ask the public not to attend this vigil or donate to this fundraiser under the belief that either has our family’s support.”
While the event was happening in the venue, many gathered around candles arranged in the shape of a “K” and “J” marking two memorial shrines located around the south side of the building on the second floor.
The vigil service began around 6:30 p.m., and was led by Pastor Adin Aguilon from Iglesia Cristiana Renacer (Ranecer Christian Church). The Renacer church band played two songs on keyboard and cajón.
An excerpt from John 13:31-35 was read by a family member. Aguilon emphasized the urgency for love in these difficult times.
“When tragedy happens, we have a choice; we can call to hate to divide us, or we can call to love to bring us together.” Aguilon said.
The floor was opened up for friends and family to speak to honor the victims. Kimberly’s mother, Mildred Pastor, was the first to speak. She shared with the attendees of the vigil her daughter’s dreams.
“She was a student, and her grades were really good. She was gonna go to university out here, or she was gonna join the military,” Mildred said.
She also shared that her daughter left behind an almost 2-year-old child.
“The baby yesterday was sleeping, and when I went to tell the other grandma what happened the baby was asking, ‘Mamí! Mamí!,’” Mildred said.
Jasmine Garza, Kimberly’s best friend shared a message directly for the facility.
“I know that the owner is here, and I would hope that moving forward, any events that would be had in this facility would be something that you all take as a lesson learned,” Garza said. “I don’t know what the protocol was that would lead to have a firearm accessible where there were young– youth and adults in this facility.”
When speaking at the vigil, Ajemyan-Lake shared her stance on the incident.
“I am gonna do my best to make amends for what happened, we tried to make this a fun event for the youngsters that were here and things got out of control” Ajemyan-Lake said.
The families are encouraging whoever is culpable or anyone who has any information to share it with the police and the families.
The families of Jaydin Lewis and Kimberly Pastor started GoFundMe pages to help cover their funeral costs and burial expenses.
In their GoFundMe statement, Lewis’ family wrote, “He was a beloved twin, brother, grandson, and nephew who brought joy to everyone around him. Our family is heartbroken by this sudden loss.”
In her GoFundMe statement, Pastor’s mother, Mildred Pastor, wrote, “She also leaves behind her 2-year-old son, who now has to grow up without his mother. Kimberly was a young mother with so much life ahead of her. She was attending school, loved reading books, and was working toward building a better future for herself and her son.”
Editor’s note: This article was last updated at 12:41 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
