KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | Madera Family Seeks Closure in Soldier Death

Madera Family Seeks Closure in Soldier Death

By Norma Yuriar and Winston Whitehurst

Madera, Calif. (KMPH News) - Inside their home in the Madera Ranchos, the Moncada family finds solace in each other after the death of Sgt. Raul Moncada leaves a huge void in their hearts.

"It hit my mom the hardest," said his younger sister, Alex Young.

Young says the toughest part is not knowing exactly how her brother was killed.

In a statement to the public, the U.S. Department of Defense said the 29-year old died near Baghdad, Iraq of wounds he sustained when an explosive device detonated near his vehicle.  Sgt. Moncada was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom when he died April 13th.

But Young says there are discrepancies in the explanation her family was given by the Casualty Advisor that came to their door Monday.

"The first story we got was that he passed away instantly, which is a relief because he didn't suffer, but when we got the second story, it was completely different," said Young.

Young says her brother's wife was told by a separate Casualty Advisor that Sgt. Moncada did suffer and that he died at the hospital and not at the scene.

"So, that's why we don't know and that's what hurts," said Young.

His mother is also in pain.  On Tuesday, she embraced her son's childhood friend when he stopped by to pay his respects.

"It's tough to see people hurt like this.  The Moncada family is known for their smiles, you talk to anybody, they are the most smiling, caring family and they welcome you into their house, just a loving group of people and I think everybody in this community, in the Madera Ranchos, knows that," said Chris Imperatrice.

The Moncada family has placed a cross, a rosary, and a picture of the Virgin Mary next to their brother's photo, an appropriate gesture says the young soldier's father, who says his son went to church every Sunday up until the day he died.

During an interview in Spanish he told KMPH News, "I don't want this to happen to anyone else, we just want answers," said his father, Raul Moncada.

Mr. Moncada says he did not receive a phone call from his son this past Sunday.  He says his worst fears were confirmed when a Casualty Advisor knocked on his door a day later.  They are now awaiting the final report from the U.S. Department of Defense.

Governor Schwarzenegger issued the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Moncada:

"Maria and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Sergeant Raul Moncada, a dedicated soldier who served our country with pride and honor. His commitment to freedom, his fellow soldiers and the defense of the United States will never be forgotten. We join all Californians in sending our condolences to Raul's family and friends during this difficult time."

In honor of Sgt. Moncada, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Sgt. Moncada is survived by his parents and six brothers and sisters.  He also leaves behind a 6-year old daughter and another baby girl due this summer.