Mum of innocent university student allegedly murdered releases heartbreaking statement
The mother of a university student who was allegedly shot dead in a suspected mistaken identity attack has remembered her son as a “warm and caring” young man.
Claudia Tapia, mother of 23-year-old Marco Tapia, has shared the strong faith he had and how he was making a positive difference in people’s lives.
Marco Tapia has been remembered as a “warm and loving” man by his mother. NIne
“Marco had plans. He had purpose. He had a future, and he was already making a difference in the lives of others,” she said in a statement shared by NSW Police on Wednesday.
“His death is part of his story, but it must never become his identity.
“Marco was not simply a victim. He was our son, a brother, a boyfriend, a friend, a man of faith, a young leader and a biomedical engineer in the making, who was going to impact this sphere greatly.”
Tapia was fatally shot in his bed after a home invasion early on September 1 at a home in Glen Alpine in Sydney’s south-west.
Police believe Tapia was mistakenly targeted and had no connections to any criminal activity.
Five people have been charged in relation to his alleged murder and are before the courts.
Mrs Tapia welcomed the actions of police as they investigated her son’s death, but admitted every development was a painful reminder of what happened to him.
“For our family, however, every development brings us back to the reality that Marco is no longer here,” she said.
She said she wanted to share with the public what Tapia was like beyond his tragic death, highlighting his commitment to his religion and his academic achievements.
Marco Tapia’s mother asked the public to remember her son for his achievements and committment to his faith. Nine
“Marco was a warm, caring and loving 23 years old, a biomedical engineering student, a committed Christian, a youth leader, a volunteer, a martial artist, a boyfriend, a brother and our deeply loved son,” Claudia said, revealing at the age of 16, he shaved his head for charity and raised $500 for cancer research.
“At 22, Marco was developing innovative biomedical engineering projects and contributing to work that received the Cochlear Best Choice Award. At the same time, he was helping young people through Engineers Without Borders.
“At 23, he was completing a biomedical engineering internship while coordinating and running EWB STEM workshops across NSW, encouraging disadvantaged young people to engage with science, engineering and problem-solving. Marco lived a life of faith, service, generosity and purpose.”
She shared a bible verse that she believed poetically reflected her son’s values and personality, and asked for him to be remembered in this way.
“Let all that you do be done in love,” the verse reads.
“That verse reflects our son,” Mrs Tapia said.
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