Castle Rock – The Centennial Soccer Club hosted a tribute game/fundraiser for the family of slain Denver police Detective Donald “Donnie” Young on Sunday afternoon in Castle Rock.
One of the teams, Colorado Elite, included Young’s daughter Courtney, 13. Donnie Young had been an active volunteer with the team.
“The team is a family,” said Michele Herrera, an office manager for the Centennial Soccer Club. “It was all about showing support.”
She said the team hatched the idea for the tribute shortly after Young’s death.
Several dozen friends, parents and organizers attended the game at a Douglas County high school. Envelopes were made available for donations to the Donald Young Fund, set up by the Denver Police Department.
Steve Schneider, the soccer club’s president, said, “It was our way of saying thank you. We feel bad for their loss.”
Denver resident Herman Doyle came to watch his granddaughter play in the game. He lauded the tribute and said it would draw attention to the tragedy.
“It makes people more aware of the dangers police officers live under,” he said.
Young was gunned down while working off-duty at a baptismal party early May 8.
Police have named Raul Garcia-Gomez as a suspect.
On Saturday, six Denver police investigators returned from Los Angeles, ending a search there for the suspect that yielded dozens of tips but not the fugitive.
“They made a lot of headway,” police spokesman Sonny Jackson said Sunday. “The information gleaned was beneficial.”
Denver police will continue to track Garcia-Gomez. The L.A. police department, U.S. marshals and the FBI will continue to provide assistance.
A return trip to California is possible, Jackson added.
Because the investigation is ongoing, Jackson declined to reveal where police planned to look next. He said police remain optimistic Garcia-Gomez “will eventually be arrested.”
Staff writer Will Shanley can be reached at 303-820-1473 or wshanley@denverpost.com.
