Over three years ago, Denise Mendoza felt the pain of losing a child, when her son, former Skyline student Justin Mendoza, was gunned down outside of a San Francisco nightclub. Now, with her son’s killer brought to justice, Denise Mendoza awaits sentencing and reflects on the life of her son.

As she walks around her living room sharing stories and pointing out memorials dedicated to her son, there is an almost tangible sense of heartbreak and loss. When Denise Mendoza speaks of her son, she recalls on his life, not his death.

“Justin got the most out of life,” Denise Mendoza said. “He was always happy and fun to be around.”

In one picture, Denise Menoza points to Justin striking a dance move on top of Jefferson High School. She takes comfort in knowing that Justin lived his life to the fullest.

“Dancing is what he loved to do,” Denise Mendoza said.

Throughout the journey- the death, the trial, and the conviction, Denise Mendoza has never wavered in getting justice for her son.

“We wanted justice for Justin, and that’s exactly what we got,” said Denise Mendoza. “It won’t bring back my son, but it will help keep one less person off the streets so that this doesn’t happen to another family.”

Denise Menodza and her family are planning to scatter Justin’s ashes on a local beach. The sentencing hearing is set for June 9, and is open to the public.