Brenda Cervantes has revealed that her son, a 19-year-old former high school football captain, is not expected to walk again after a stray bullet severed his spine while he was on break at a California Five Guys.
Jonathan “JJ” Vasquez Jr., 19, was working at the Oxnard fast-food restaurant on August 28 when gunfire erupted outside during an altercation between a 16-year-old suspect and two other individuals, according to reports. A bullet pierced the glass door and struck Vasquez in the spine as he rested inside during his break.
Doctors have since delivered the devastating prognosis to the family. A GoFundMe established for the teenager describes the extent of his injuries, noting that “he is now living with complete quadriplegia, meaning he is paralyzed and cannot move his arms or his legs.” The fundraiser has drawn significant support, collecting more than $84,750 toward its $90,000 goal.
Cervantes, speaking to NBC Los Angeles, shared how her son has confronted his new reality.
“To me, God has a plan for him. That is what we are holding to; that’s what he is holding onto every day,” she told the outlet.
“Mom, I have a purpose.”
Vasquez repeats the affirmation daily, his mother said, telling himself, “I’m strong. I’m worthy.”
The teenager’s resilience has not wavered despite the life-altering violence. Cervantes said her son has urged her to release any anger toward those responsible.
“He is always telling me, ‘Don’t hold grudges.’ Even through this whole mess of things, he says, ‘Leave it to God.’ Anyone that meets him, he wins their hearts over,” she continued.
Before the shooting, Vasquez had been building toward a future he had mapped out with care. He had recently graduated high school, where he served as captain of his football team. At Ventura College, he had joined the track team while juggling his first job at the burger chain. He had been saving money to purchase a truck and harbored ambitions of pursuing a career in finance, his mother said.
The incident that shattered those plans unfolded when the 16-year-old suspect became embroiled in a confrontation outside the Oxnard restaurant. Gunfire followed, and one of the bullets traveled through the establishment’s glass door, finding Vasquez as he sat on break. He was rushed to the intensive care unit in the immediate aftermath.
Law enforcement has arrested the 16-year-old suspect, though authorities have not released his identity due to his juvenile status.
The GoFundMe campaign continues to approach its $90,000 target as supporters respond to the teenager’s story. Cervantes has emphasized her son’s spiritual outlook as the family adjusts to permanent changes ahead.
Vasquez’s trajectory from high school athlete to college student and first-time employee had marked a transitional summer before the violence intervened. His track participation at Ventura College signaled continuing athletic involvement beyond his football leadership, and his job at Five Guys represented early steps toward financial independence.
The case remains under investigation with the juvenile suspect in custody.
A GoFundMe created for the 19-year-old noted that “he is now living with complete quadriplegia, meaning he is paralyzed and cannot move his arms or his legs.”