A New Jersey dad was killed while trying to protect one of his young children during a robbery.
According to his family, Jose “Migue” Malave, 30, was killed in front of his girlfriend and four of his children after a group of teens attempted to rob his 8-year-old son of a pair of sneakers, the Jersey Journal reports.
The ultimately fatal encounter began during the day Tuesday, when Malave’s son was almost robbed of his sneakers by a group of teens. Later that night the group showed up at Malave’s Palisade Avenue home in Jersey City, thinking that the boy might have other nice things, according to Malave’s sister, Yesenia.
Jose Malave had just gotten home to drop off his son before heading off to his construction job when he stepped up to protect his son, only to be stabbed to death by one of the teens.
The Jersey Journal reports that a 17-year-old boy has been charged with felony murder, armed burglary, weapons offenses and conspiracy in connection with Malave’s death. His name has not been released because he is a juvenile.
Meanwhile, authorities are looking for a second suspect in the case, the Jersey Journal reports. An arrest warrant has been issued for 19-year-old Nasiar Day of Newark, N.J., on charges of murder, armed burglary, weapons offenses and conspiracy.
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said that Day should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.
The prosecutor’s office is asking anyone with further information about Malave’s death to call the office or leave an anonymous tip on the website.
Meanwhile, Malave’s family is trying to figure out how to move forward. The family has started a GoFundMe campaign that raised more than $3,000 of a $5,000 goal in just a day.