The faith community surrounding Faith Center Church in San Fernando, California, is mourning after Joshua Trujillo, the beloved son of Pastor Rudy Trujillo, was shot and killed during a tragic incident at a party Saturday night.

Joshua’s death came just one week after he publicly grieved the loss of his uncle, adding another layer of heartbreak for the well-known pastor and anti-violence advocate who has spent years working to bring healing and hope to troubled communities.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, deputies from the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station responded to reports of a shooting around 10:50 p.m. Saturday in the 20800 block of Centre Pointe Parkway in Santa Clarita. When officers arrived, they found two men suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported to a nearby hospital, where one man was pronounced dead. The second victim remains in critical condition.

Authorities later confirmed to The Christian Post that an argument between the two men escalated into violence.

“I can state [that] the deceased party and the injured party were involved in an argument,” LASD Lieutenant Chris Oakley said in a statement. “During the argument, the deceased individual shot the injured party. An uninvolved person shot and killed the deceased.”

Police said no arrests have been made and that the investigation remains ongoing. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will ultimately determine whether charges will be filed.

The San Fernando Valley Sun identified the deceased man as Joshua Trujillo. Reports indicate the shooting occurred outside the George A. Carvalho Sports Complex, where a quinceañera celebration was taking place. Witnesses reportedly heard at least 14 gunshots.

While the tragedy has stunned many in Southern California’s faith community, those closest to Joshua are remembering him not for the circumstances surrounding his death, but for his heart for God, his church, and his community.

Interim Faith Center Church Pastor Mike Martin shared an emotional tribute to Joshua, recalling the impact he made during Pastor Rudy Trujillo’s sabbatical.

“Gone too soon!” Martin wrote, “Josh stepped up and was at the church every Sunday morning, ensuring that all of the logistics of conducting a church service were taken care of. And he did this flawlessly.”

Martin said Joshua consistently encouraged him after services and often spoke openly about his spiritual growth.

“Without fail, after every service, he encouraged me by saying, ‘Great job, Pastor Mike,'” he shared. “And then he would tell me how much he was growing in the Lord as a result of my preaching/teaching. That meant the world to me.”

Martin concluded his tribute with a message of faith amid grief: “Although there is much grieving to be done, one thing is certain. Joshua Trujillo is in the presence of the Lord!”

Though Joshua worked professionally as a real estate agent at JohnHart Real Estate, his father often praised him for his deep involvement in ministry and youth outreach.

In a heartfelt 2021 Facebook post shared on National Son Day, Pastor Rudy Trujillo described his son as “a great person, husband, and a really good father.”

He also highlighted Joshua’s passion for helping young people through Youth Diversion and Development initiatives in partnership with the LAPD and the District Attorney’s Office.

“Joshua is involved not only in the community of faith but has a heart to help youth,” the pastor wrote at the time. “The Lord is going to bless your generous heart to bless your family more.”

As friends, family members, and church leaders continue grieving this devastating loss, many are praying for comfort for the Trujillo family and for peace in a community now shaken by another act of violence.