TikTok star Anthony Barajas passes after several days on life support
Instagram/TikTok: itsanthonymichaelPolice and family have confirmed that TikTok star Anthony Barajas has sadly passed after several days on life support since he was shot in a movie theatre on July 27. His companion, 18-year-old Rylee Goodrich, also died in the shooting.
At such a young age, Anthony charmed almost one million people with his lifestyle-based TikTok content.
Talking about everything from families to heartbreak, he quickly developed a loyal fanbase.
Instagram: itsanthonymichaelThe TikToker was shot during a recent showing of ‘The Forever Purge’ in Corona, California. Theater employee Kailyn Dillon said none of the staff members present at the time “heard the gunshot.” Police have not yet stated the suspected motive of the shooting, or whether it was a targeted attack.
Barajas had spent several days on life support following the shooting, with friends like iHeartMedia reporter Malik Earnest urging witnesses to come forward if they had any information.
It was confirmed on July 31, a few days after that the attack, that the TikToker had passed away in hospital. “We extend our thoughts and condolences to his family and friends,” the department said in a statement.
My friend, Anthony Barajas, 19, is on life support after he and a friend were shot in a movie theater in Corona, California. Rylee Goodrich, 18, died on scene. You never really expect a loved one could fall victim to gun violence, despite its ongoing prevalence in our nation. pic.twitter.com/vhmX3J5I9H
— Malik Earnest (@MalikEarnest) July 28, 2021
Anthony’s mom, Julie Barajas, has set up a GoFundMe in his name. She said: “there are tough times ahead. Please donate to our medical funds.” While speaking of her son, Julie emphasized: “Anthony was the light of so many people’s lives.”
Fans reacted to news of the shooting
“My heart is breaking. Rest in peace Anthony Barajas.” one fan of the TikTok star said on Twitter.
My heart is breaking. Rest in peace Anthony Barajas. You were only 19 and too young to die at a movie screening of The Forever Purge in Corona, California. #GoneTooSoonhttps://t.co/DIiL26cwHl
— Shani Harris (@shanikharris) August 1, 2021
“Please donate to my best friend’s family as they are going through a horrible tragedy,” Tweeted a family friend before sharing the GoFundMe.
Please donate to my best friends family as they are going through a horrible tragedy❤️ anything helps!
Anthony Barajas https://t.co/eCOLCRYXRL
— bri (@briannapearsonn) July 28, 2021
‘Vampire Diaries’ actor Daniel Newman sent condolences to the star. “So sad and terrible,” he said.
https://twitter.com/DanielNewman/status/1420403002528124928?s=20
Several hundred fans gathered outside the movie theater where the shooting took place shortly after the passing of the star.
Several hundred gathering outside the #Corona movie theater where #RyleeGoodrich & #AnthonyBarajas were gunned down.
The emotional vigil coming just hours after Barajas was taken off life support.
Hear from their heartbroken friends at 11pm @ABC7 pic.twitter.com/xsOk09GGDm— Leanne Suter (@abc7leanne) August 1, 2021
Joseph Jimenez has been charged with the shooting
On June 29, 20-year-old Joseph Jimenez was arrested in connection with the shooting. According to CNN, police searched the suspect’s El Cerrito home and found a firearm which “matched the weapon used in the murder.”
The suspect was charged with the murder of Rylee Goodrich, as well as the attempted murder of the TikTok star. He’s currently being held on $2 million bail.
As far as the police are aware, he acted alone.
Check out Anthony’s TikTok for wholesome lifestyle content.