On the evening of December 8, 2025, approximately 100 individuals gathered for a candlelight vigil in Terrell to commemorate the life of Officer Jacob Candanoza, who was tragically killed during a traffic stop one year earlier. The event took place outside the police headquarters, where family, friends, and community members came together to honor the memory of the 28-year-old husband and father.
The vigil was an emotional occasion, with Jacob’s father, David Candanoza, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to share stories about his son. He reflected on the past year, filled with a range of emotions, noting how much he missed Jacob’s presence in their lives. “He was really like the glue that held a lot of the family together,” David shared.
Officer Candanoza lost his life on December 8, 2024, after he pulled over a pickup truck with expired plates in a motel parking lot along State Highway 34. According to police reports, the driver, Darrian Cortez Johnson, shot the officer multiple times in the head and face at close range, leading to Jacob’s death at the scene.
David Candanoza admitted that he has not sought information about his son’s alleged killer, stating, “I have not looked him up. I’ve got no idea what his name is.” Instead, the focus of the vigil remained on celebrating Jacob’s life and the impact he had on others. Community members shared sentiments about spreading “the light of love throughout our communities” while remembering Officer Candanoza.
During the vigil, David expressed his deep emotions, stating, “It chokes me up,” as he wiped away tears. He reflected on how quickly the past year had passed, remarking, “The fastest year of my life. I can’t believe it’s been a year.” He now reminds every officer he encounters to prioritize their safety, saying, “Be safe out there. Just be safe, you know? I tell them all.”
Jacob Candanoza was not only a dedicated officer but also a loving husband to Devon and a father to their young daughter, Amethyst. David is committed to ensuring that Jacob’s memory remains alive, declaring, “I never want his name to be forgotten. Never.” Despite the challenges of processing their grief, he finds solace in hearing stories about his son. “Don’t be afraid to come talk to us. We want to talk about our kids,” he encouraged. “It makes us feel so good that he is not forgotten.”
Looking ahead, court records indicate that Darrian Cortez Johnson has a plea negotiation hearing scheduled for January 7 regarding the capital murder charge he faces in connection with Officer Candanoza’s death.
