BURLINGTON, Wash. — A Mount Vernon mother is suffering unimaginable grief.
Three of Julie Orestad's children died in the last 18 months. Orestad was surrounded by friends and family at her Mount Vernon home Tuesday. She sat in a chair outside and wiped away tears. Her 17-year-old son, Gage Bruce, was shot and killed Monday night in Burlington at Maebin Park.
Police are searching for the gunman. Residents saw about 10 teens at the park. "You could hear about five shots, then a break and then a couple more later and everybody started to scatter," said William DeVoll, who lives across the street.
Orestad found out through Facebook her son was shot. He died at the hospital before she was able to see him.
Police are asking for witnesses to come forward. The Washington State Patrol Crime Lab is processing evidence.
Orestad was in court in Mount Vernon last Wednesday. The drunk driver who killed her daughter pleaded guilty. Megan Brown, 21, was one of three victims killed in the drunk driving crash caused by Alfrede Navarro Jr. in Sedro Woolley May 23, 2014. Orestad's son Jake Brown died of an asthma attack in November 2014.
"It's unbelievable. No family should have to go through what she's been through," said Brenda Blau, who has been friends with Orestad for 35 years.
"If it wasn't for her two little ones I don't know what would become of her," she added. Orestad has two sons, ages 14 and 4. She is also a grandmother. She is being comforted by friends and family.
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