WASHINGTON — An online fundraiser set up to help the family of a man killed in a D.C. and Maryland carjacking and shooting rampage last month has already doubled its initial goal. The fundraiser was set up to help Alberto "A.J." Vasquez, who was shot and killed in a carjacking in D.C.
The deadly shooting was part of a string of violent crimes that stretched into Prince George's County, eventually leading to the man behind it being gunned down by police.
The hours-long rampage left Vasquez, a father of two, and Mike Gill, a former Trump administration and election official in D.C., dead. The suspect, 28-year-old Artell Cunningham, was also killed.
Vasquez's mother and father told WUSA9 that their son was well liked.
"AJ was just a very charismatic, outgoing young man," his mother, Antoinette Walker, told WUSA9. "Not someone that anybody would want to take his life."
His parents said Vasquez just celebrated his 35th birthday and leaves behind two young daughters, ages 8 and 10.
"They grow up now without a father for the rest of their life? For what? Over a car?" Jacob Walker said.
His father said his son's death is not the end of his story.
"I don't care if it's some kind of nonprofit. Something has to be done in his honor, in his name," Jacob Walker said. "I want to do some good things for him and his name. I don't know what that is yet, but this can't just be it."
A verified GoFundMe page was set up to help the family with funeral costs and to help the children with "current and future needs." Since the fundraiser was launched, it has raised nearly $50,000. The page's initial goal was $20,000. Those wishing to contribute can do so here.
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