thousand oaks mass shooting

Thousand Oaks mass shooting: Father identifies son as one of 12 slain in massacre in heartbreaking press conference

Thursday, November 8, 2018
A Camarillo father identified his son as one of 12 people slain in the mass shooting at a Thousand Oaks nightclub.
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- In a heartbreaking press conference, a father identified his son as one of 12 people slain in the mass shooting at Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks.

Cody Coffman, of Camarillo, was 22 years old.

Cody Coffman's dad remembers his son

"We just got word that my son was one of the those who were killed. This was my first-born son," said Jason Coffman, Cody's father. "Cody was the big brother that my kids need."

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Cody leaves behind three little brothers. He also has a little sister on the way.

"I have a daughter coming on the 29th of this month. He was so excited to have his first sister, and now she will never know him," he said through tears. "Oh Cody, I love you son."

"I am speechless and heartbroken," he said. "My life has changed forever."

Cody's father said his son was taking steps to fulfill his dream of becoming part of the U.S. Army. Cody was also the head umpire for the Camarillo Pony Baseball League.

MORE: Thousand Oaks shooting survivor also survived Las Vegas shooting
Thousand Oaks shooting survivor also survived Las Vegas shooting

"There were so many people that he touched, and now they're going to be just as heartbroken as I am," he said.

The 12 slain victims also include Sgt. Ron Helus, 54, of Moorpark. Helus, who served on the force for 29 years, is survived by a wife and son. Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said Helus "was looking to retire within the next year or so."

MORE: Sheriff Sergeant Ron Helus was 'hard working, dedicated' and 'died a hero'
Thousand Oaks shooting: Sheriff Sergeant Ron Helus was 'hard working, dedicated' and 'died a hero'


People stand in a parking lot along South Moorpark Road in the aftermath of a mass shooting at Borderline Bar & Grill, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.none
Potential witnesses sit near the scene Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif., where a gunman opened fire Wednesday inside a crowded country music bar.none
Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean speaks to reporters near the scene in Thousand Oaks, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.none
Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean speaks to reporters near the scene in Thousand Oaks, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.none
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A witness talks to reporters outside a country music bar and dance hall in Thousand Oaks after a gunman barged into a large, crowded venue and opened fire late November 07, 2018.none
A forensics team gets ready work the scene Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif.none
An FBI agent works the scene Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif.none
A forensics team works the scene Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif.none
A forensics team works the scene Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif.none
A forensics team works the scene Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif.none
People comfort each other as they stand near the scene Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif.none
People comfort each other after gunman opens fire on a nightclub in California.none
An FBI agent talks to a potential witness at a shooting at a California nightclub.none
Two young ladies comfort each other after a shooting at a California nightclub.none
People walk away from the scene after a gunman opens fire on a nightclub in California.none
People comfort each other after gunman opens fire on a nightclub in California, killing at least 11.none
Sheriff's deputy speaks to a potential witness outside of a California nightclub where a gunman opened fire, killing at least 11.none
People comfort each other outside California nightclub after gunman opens fire, killing at least 11.none
Sheriff's deputies speak to a potential witness after gunman opens fire inside a country dance bar, wounding 11 people including a deputy who rushed to the scene.none
Two men embrace after a mass shooting at California nightclub.none
Two men embrace after a mass shooting at California nightclub.none
Authorities rush to the scene after a gunman opens fire on a nightclub in California.none
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