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Deadly Shooting: Family Of Isabella Thallas Wants To Build Dog Park In Her Honor

DENVER (CBS4) -- Isabella Thallas and her boyfriend were walking her dog in the Ballpark neighborhood when a man inside an apartment shot them both. Her boyfriend told police the man yelled at them about the dog before firing the shots that killed Isabella. Now, her family wants to build a dog park at the scene.

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Isabella Thallas (courtesy: Ana Thallas)

"We thought it would just be absolutely amazing to setup a park here," Josh Thallas, her father said. "Where people could come and have some comradery and bring their animals, too and share some friendship with one another."

The memorial has become a place of comfort for the family as the grieve but also a way to celebrate Isabella's life and see the impact she had on the community. It could be a model for the type of park they want to create in her memory. A vigil on Thursday night was an incredible show of support for the family.

"As a dad, it's beyond powerful," Mr. Thallas told CBS4 on Friday. "You stand up and look around there's hundreds upon hundreds of young human beings out there, it's amazing."

RELATED: Shooting Victim Isabella Thallas Remembered At Candlelight Vigil

Isabella and her boyfriend, Darian Simon, were shot near 29th and Huron Street on Wednesday. Simon was shot twice but is recovering in the hospital.

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Darian Simon and Isabella Thallas (courtesy: Ana Thallas)

Family have described the two as the love of each other's lives.

"They lived that to the max every single day," her father said.

Thallas had just celebrated her 21st birthday earlier in the week. She challenged her family to do better each day than they did the day before, her father said. It built on the message of Simon's company, Be A Good Person. A locally-based clothing line, the entire family adopted its motto and has worn clothing by the brand in the days since the shooting. Logos for the company can be found all around the memorial. Inspiration from a young woman and a young company that could lead to a future park.

"A place of peace, a place of fellowship and friendship," Thallas said. "Where any walk of life and human being can come to, four legged or two legged can come too and just enjoy each other."

Mr. Thallas and his family have started a GoFundMe to support creating a dog park. As of Thursday afternoon, it had already raised around $10,000. He believes the neighborhood where his daughter was killed is in need of such a place given how many dog owners live nearby and don't have many options. He hopes the apartment complexes and RTD will work with the family to make this park become a reality.

"We're going to try and push this thing through the best as we can and help rebuild a community that was hurt and shattered over such a senseless act."

Mr. Thallas says the thought of a park, her memorial, and stories about his daughter all capture the same piece of Isabella's character. A part of her he wants everyone to celebrate.

"Just her kind soul, her kind loving soul, that's what we hope lives on," he said.

The suspect, Michael Close, 36, is facing a first-degree murder charge as well as an aggravated assault charge.

LINK: Isabella Thallas Dog Park GoFundMe

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