Latino survivors of Waukesha Christmas parade speak out one year later

 

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Waukesha marked one year since the Christmas parade tragedy, where six individuals died, dozens were injured, and countless lives were changed forever. Ahead of this years' parade on Sunday, CBS 58 sat down with two Latino victims, who said it's been a process to heal.

Jesus Ochoa shared the video he shot on Nov. 21, 2021. Images of a car speeding by a little girl dancing in the street, and shortly thereafter plunging into a crowd. He watched it attentively, as it is still as impactful, exactly one year later.

"Yeah, I remember but like I said, it's not like I'm super affected (by it), but I do pass by the area often and it does remind me like 'oh here's where the first victim lied,'" he said.

Images used as evidence in the Darrell Brooks trial, forever engraved in Ochoa's mind.

He opened up about the fact that for weeks, he had nightmares and had to go to therapy. Ochoa said he learned it was all for a greater purpose.

"Well, unfortunately these types of tragedies serve as a reminder of a community's strength," he said.

Alma Garcia was also at last years' parade. She's considered a hero for a lot of local families for having the courage to grab several children and hide inside a local business until everything passed. Garcia said she's realized her life will never be the same.

"Obviously it's something that changes your life forever…. definitely, the city was moved, everyone united, there were funds donated for everyone," she added.

Garcia will not be at the parade this Sunday, she said she has purposefully avoided the downtown area since the incident, but she is hopeful she will one day set foot, and like countless others, and take another step forward.