CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) - Days after a young couple was gunned down in a Chula Vista Costco parking lot, family members told 10News the couple remains in the hospital.
On the afternoon of June 17, Chula Vista police said a gunman opened fire on Angelina Perez and Samuel Valdez, hitting them multiple times as they were putting groceries into their car in the parking lot of the Costco store on Broadway.
According to Perez’s family, she was hit in her shoulder, stomach and leg. Her recovery has been going well, and by Thursday, family members said Perez was able get up and walk around her hospital room, though she was still connected to machines.
Perez's boyfriend, Valdez, has not been as fortunate. His family said doctors told them they were not sure if he would survive surgery.
RELATED: Police ID Chula Vista Costco shooting victims
Valdez did, but on Thursday, he remained on a ventilator. He had been hit in several major organs, including his lung and pancreas. A bullet also bruised his heart but stopped short of piercing it, according to family.
At the time of the shooting, the couple's newborn son, only five days old, was with them in a stroller. He was not hurt.
According to police, the couple was approached by 48-year-old Sean Illian. Police said Illian opened fire on Perez first.
Her family said Valdez jumped in to protect her and ended up taking bullets as well.
Illian then turned the gun on himself and died at the hospital, according to police.
RELATED: One dead, 2 hospitalized after shooting in Chula Vista Costco parking lot
Illian and Perez had previously been in a relationship for about 10 years, according to family. They broke up a year and a half ago, and Perez moved away, cutting off contact. But after Perez and Valdez’s baby was born, family speculate Illian began tracking her down.
Perez lived in the Palm Springs area, but gave birth to her son in San Diego. She had been staying with family in the area so she could go to check-up appointments with her doctor.
Valdez had moved up to the Bay Area for work but was also in San Diego for the birth.
The family is seeking donations to help with medical expenses and to supplement the couple’s income while they are unable to work.
They have set up a GoFundMe account here.
