Monetary donations have poured for the family of Steven Reyes, a Filipino American Highland Park liquor store clerk who died after he tried to stop a group of teenagers from shoplifting a case of beer. The incident occurred on October 6, just before 7 p.m., in the 100 block of East Avenue 40, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Previously, AsAmNews reported that a GoFundMe campaign has been set up by the Reyes family to help with funeral expenses. The fundraiser has “raised more than $52,000 from more than 980 donors as of October 21, way above the $15,000 target,” according to the victim’s daughter, Kaycie.
During a vigil on October 10 held for the victim at Tony’s Market, the store where he worked, the 68-year-old immigrant from Lipa City in the Philippines was honored and remembered by his family, friends, and the local community.
In an interview with ABC7, Nelle Reyes, the victim’s daughter, said that her father was a hard worker who did not deserve to die the way he did. She added that her family is holding on to the community for support – financially and emotionally.
“As Filipinos, we’re very family-centered,” Nelle told ABC7. “We all take care of our elderly. That’s exactly what he was doing; he was taking care of his mom, you know? Trying to work another job that he can help around the house financially,” she added.
According to CBS News, the police have arrested a 13-year-old in connection to the crime. Investigators were initially looking for four suspects. Witnesses identified two males and two females who looked no older than teenagers.
Anyone with additional information about the attack should contact the Los Angeles Police Department.
Reyes’ burial will be held at Forest Lawn Glendale on November 2.
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