Yuma family seeks city’s response for removal of memorial cross

One Yuma family is seeking the city’s response for removal of the memorial cross set for their family member.

The cross that was removed was placed to remember Lisa Munoz, formerly known as Lisa Rivera. Munoz died last May after being shot to death by an officer while responding to a domestic disturbance in the Gowan Company parking lot.

The shooting was later deemed justified by the Yuma County Attorney’s office.

To remember Munoz, her family decided to place a cross at the place where she ultimately took her last breath.

Her family claimed the cross was actually on private property, owned by Falstaff Building AZ, not on City of Yuma property.

The family said the cross was removed on March 11, leading them to speak out at Wednesday’s city council meeting.

” There’s a definite discrimination issue in terms of our family being able to keep the cross up for my sister. The other crosses around town are still standing, ” explained Kristie Gomez, Munoz’s sister.

While the family spoke out, Mayor Douglas Nicholls acknowledged the council was listening although the council couldn’t respond because the item was not on the agenda.

The family is unsure of whether they will put the cross back up.

” We’ll have to wait and see, ” said Gomez. ” It’s not something we can do at this point since it’s private property . Unless the city gives us permission, we’ll have to wait. ”

City officials said that there is not a specific policy in the books that address crosses around town, but there is one in the works.