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A Tragic Date Night Movie Theater Shooting: Remembering Rylee Goodrich and Anthony Barajas
On a fateful day in 2021, the community of Corona, California, was shaken by a senseless act of violence that claimed the lives of two young individuals, Rylee Goodrich and Anthony Barajas. The incident, which took place in a movie theater during a screening of “The Forever Purge,” left deep scars on the families involved and raised serious questions about mental health and gun violence in America.
The Incident
On July 26, 2021, Rylee Goodrich, an 18-year-old college sophomore, and Anthony Barajas, a 19-year-old TikTok personality with nearly a million followers, were attending their first date at the Regal Edwards Corona Crossings theater. They were among six people in the audience for the 9:35 p.m. showing of the horror film.
As the credits rolled, Joseph Jimenez, then 20 years old, carried out an “unprovoked attack,” as described by authorities. Jimenez had brought a gun to the theater, which he had retrieved from his car during the movie. He quietly approached the unsuspecting couple from behind and opened fire, shooting them both in the head.
Rylee Goodrich was pronounced dead at the scene, while Anthony Barajas was placed on life support at a nearby hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical staff…
