Family members say Henry ‘Russ’ Giles was shot and killed while trying to save a life in Orangevale on Tuesday.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — For five days, a community in Sacramento County has been mourning after two people were killed in a shooting Tuesday, and the impact is stretching hundreds of miles beyond the scene.

One of the victims, 63-year-old Henry Giles, was from Santa Barbara County, where his family said they are devastated by the loss.

For Leaunna Giles, the grief is immediate and overwhelming when she speaks about her uncle.

“He was a dad, a grandpa, an uncle and a friend,” Leaunna said.

Henry Giles, known to many as “Russ,” was a fisherman, dirt biker and someone who enjoyed barbecues. 

“He was funny, loving, silly and tried to make people laugh a lot,” Leaunna said. “Hardworking. He was a hardworking man.”

Leaunna Giles said her uncle worked where he lived, and that’s where he was killed Tuesday at Sunshine Mobile Village in Orangevale.

“I read the message kind of in disbelief,” Leaunna said. “It said, ‘I know you’re at work, I’m sorry, but Russ has been shot.'”

Authorities believe 58-year-old John Clarke shot Giles and a woman identified by friends as Sue Harmon. 

Deputies arrested Clarke, and prosecutors have charged him with two counts of homicide. He was arraigned last week and is scheduled to appear in court on April 9.

“I don’t understand why, you know,” Leaunna said.

Law enforcement officials have not said what led to the shooting. However, family and friends said Giles was shot while trying to save a life.

The sheriff’s office said it does not have any new information to release. Attempts to reach the mobile home park for comment were unsuccessful.

“That gives me a little bit of peace knowing that he died a hero,” Leaunna said. “It doesn’t make it easier but I am so grateful that my uncle saved another woman’s family from this grief.”

The grief remains raw, surfacing with every memory.

“I knew my uncle loved me and I know he loves all of us so much,” Leaunna said. “I’m just thankful for the time that we did have.”

Watch more from ABC10: He Died a Hero: Sacramento County Community Remembers Orangevale Shooting Victims

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