Memorial for 2014 Isla Vista Victims

(Photo: Isla Vista Strong)

Four years ago, six students in Isla Vista were killed and fourteen others were injured in a horrific killing spree. Today, students and Isla Vista residents are hosting their annual memorial to remember those who were killed. 

On May 23, 2014, 22-year-old Santa Barbara City College student and Isla Vista resident Elliot Rodger, stabbed three men in his apartment and shot several others before killing himself. 

The six students who lost their lives are:

• George Chen (19)
• Cheng Yuan “James” Hong (20)
• Weihan “David” Wang (20)
• Katherine Breann Cooper (22)
• Christopher Ross Michaels-Martinez (20)
• Veronika Elizabeth Weiss (19)

The six victims, all UC Santa Barbara students, were honored with posthumous degrees in 2014. 

Isla Vista Strong, a community organization that formed after the tragedy to remember the victims, is hosting a memorial ceremony at Storke Tower on UCSB’s campus from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening. “This will be a time to remember those tragically lost on May 23, 2014 as well as others who have been affected by gun violence across the country,” the group wrote on Facebook.