STAFF REPORT
On Monday, the gunman who tragically shot and killed two teenagers at a Corona movie theater will be sentenced. The family of one of the victims, Anthony Barajas, sat down with FOX 11’s Laura Diaz to share why being present in the courtroom is so important to them.
“His smile. Everyone loved his smile. Just having him smile at them made them feel better,” said Brian Barajas, Anthony’s father, while recalling his son’s joyful spirit.
It was four days before the sentencing of the man who ended the lives of Anthony Barajas and his friend Rylee Goodrich, and I sat with Mr. and Mrs. Barajas in their South Orange County home, reflecting on their journey through grief and healing.
More than two years have passed since the devastating event that changed their lives forever. In July 2021, 19-year-old Anthony and 18-year-old Rylee were brutally shot in a Corona movie theater during a screening. Rylee tragically died at the scene, while Anthony succumbed to his injuries days later after being taken off life support.
A Community Mourns
During the final days of Anthony’s life, over 600 people visited his bedside to pay their respects and honor the young man whose acts of kindness touched many lives. His parents heard story after story about how Anthony extended a helping hand to those in need, whether it was lending money to friends between jobs or befriending classmates who felt overlooked.
“We always knew Anthony was special,” his mother, Catherine Barajas, said softly. “He could talk to anyone. He had this quiet confidence, and he always made people feel seen.”
As news spread of the horrific incident, the world learned about Anthony’s vibrant presence on social media, particularly TikTok, where he had amassed a following of over a million fans. His followers were drawn to his joyful singing sessions, his infectious laughter, and his spontaneous, carefree videos that showcased his love for life.
The Real Influence
Though Anthony was known as a social media influencer, his parents say his most profound impact wasn’t on TikTok but in the way he treated others. “He made people feel good, just by the way he treated them,” Brian Barajas explained.
For the Barajas family, walking through the pain of losing their son has been anything but linear. Their devout Catholic faith has served as an anchor, guiding them through their darkest moments. As they navigated their grief, they found healing in creating a legacy that would carry Anthony’s spirit forward.
A Legacy of Kindness: The Anthony Michael Barajas Foundation
The Anthony Michael Barajas Foundation was born from the family’s desire to continue Anthony’s mission of spreading kindness. The foundation encourages young people to perform random acts of kindness and offers scholarships to students who share stories of how small gestures can make a big difference in the world.
To date, the foundation has awarded more than two dozen scholarships, including four at Anthony’s alma mater, Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana. Each recipient is selected based on their heartfelt essays detailing their experiences with kindness and how these acts of compassion have rippled out into their communities.
Reading the essays, which are submitted anonymously, brings both tears and comfort to the Barajas family. “It’s been very, very hard,” Catherine said, fighting back emotion. “But the foundation allows us to turn our sadness into something good. We always end up in tears, but we also always feel so much better.”
As the family prepares for the sentencing of the man who stole their son’s life, they remain focused on honoring Anthony’s memory by encouraging others to be kind, just as he was.
How to Support Anthony’s Legacy
If you would like to honor the life and legacy of Anthony Michael Barajas and continue his mission of spreading kindness, please visit AnthonyMichaelBarajasFoundation.org or follow the foundation’s Instagram page, @amb__foundation, to learn more.