Modesto shooting victim's mom talks about her son

One of the victims in Monday’s double homicide was a 19-year-old due to start classes at Modesto Junior College today.

Mark Anthony Ochoa was one of two men shot to death early Monday near Coffee Road and Floyd Avenue, his mother, Veronica Meraz, said.

Meraz said she didn’t know what led to the shooting. She last talked to her son Sunday afternoon when he called to ask about his class schedule. Ochoa was planning to study business at MJC, Meraz said.

“I haven’t heard that he had any problems that would cause this thing,” Meraz said. “It could have been something that escalated at the time.”

Police have arrested four suspects in connection with the shooting. Meraz said she sympathized with the parents of those arrested.

“I feel very bad for their parents,” Meraz said. “In a different way they’re going through stresses, too.”

Meraz described Ochoa as someone who avoided confrontation and used “diplomatic” skills to defuse fights.

Like any young man, Meraz said, Ochoa went through many phases, including a stint as a skateboarder.

Ochoa cultivated friendships with a diverse group of people, Meraz said.

“He was a good kid, not a perfect kid,” she said.

Bee staff writer Leslie Albrecht can be reached at lalbrecht@modbee.com or at 578-2378.