The family of the alleged gunman in Wednesday's shooting rampage at a Cupertino quarry released a statement this morning, expressing "heartfelt condolences" to those impacted by the events.
"There are no words that can express how very sorry we are, or how badly we feel," the family of Shareef Allman said. "We don't understand why this happened, and we truly wish that we could change the tragic events of this week."
The shooting occurred at about 4:15 a.m. at the Lehigh Southwest Cement Plant at 24001 Stevens Creek Blvd. in Cupertino when Allman allegedly opened fire on other employees gathered at a meeting.
John Robert Vallejos, 51, and Mark Munoz, 59, both of San Jose, as well as Manuel Guadalupe Pinon, 48, of Newman, died from injuries sustained during the shooting, according to the Santa Clara County sheriff's office.
Allman allegedly fled the worksite and carjacked a woman at gunpoint shortly before 7 a.m. in a Hewlett-Packard company parking lot. When the woman refused, he allegedly shot her once and fled. She sustained injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.
"We truly express our heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families, extended families, friends, and communities that have been affected directly or indirectly by this horrific tragedy," Allman's family said.
A day after the shooting, sheriff's deputies on patrol during the massive manhunt for Allman shot and killed the 49-year-old San Jose man.
"We are completely shocked and struggle with the events (that) occurred, because the Shareef that we knew was a loving father and good man who lived his life helping others, volunteering and advocating for positive change for compelling social issues," his family said. "He encouraged people to live and love life, and to love their children, as he did."
In the statement, the family also requested privacy as it mourns.
"Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the affected families and loved ones as they grieve and mourn," the family said.
—By Bay City News Service
