According to a local OB businessperson – who knew the victim of last night’s fatal stabbing – his name was either “Roz” or “Raz” and the merchant last saw him at Wednesday’s Farmers Market. He was fatally stabbed Wednesday night late into the early hour of Thursday.
The victim was a light-skinned African-American who was homeless, the businessperson told me. His assailant, who fled before police arrived, was described by witnesses as white or Latino.
He sold incense in front of People’s and at the Farmers Market. He was a “very quiet, soft-spoken person” I was told. Always coherent and peaceful, this person said he always wore the same red, SDSU sweatshirt and always had a duffle bag.
Always polite. I can’t believe Raz started a fight with anybody. This is truly sad.
Walt was awesome. I got all my incense from him. I’m a vendor at on. He was a jewel and icon. I can’t believe this happened to him. Such a kind soul. Always looked for him to make my night
Sadly, attacks on homeless San Diegans are becoming all too common, as we saw last year:
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-homeless-murders-suspect-background-david-guerrero-2016aug06-htmlstory.html
I’m sad, angry, hurt, and pissed-off that someone would hurt anyone – especially such a gentle man like Raz. I’ve only lived in OB for about 6 months but I call this place my home and EVERYONE who lives here a neighbor – including those like Raz who live here and light up our streets with their presence.
I guess I just feel like I have to rant here. I hope the jerk who did this is found, taken off the streets and brought to justice. It won’t bring back Raz who did nothing to deserve this.
At the corner across the street from Winston’s is a little makeshift memorial for Raz. I brought incense and gave a bunch to some of Raz’s street neighbors.
If you see them, strike up a conversation. Say hello. Give them some change. Like Raz, they’re people too with feelings, needs, hopes and dreams. I’m going to do more. I wish I could have done more for Raz…even if it were to buy more incense from him.
RIP
Here’s an update from Channel 10: http://www.10news.com/news/popular-street-vendor-stabbed-to-death-in-ocean-beach
Very sad, I talked to him last month about his classic cars and how he ate healthy natural foods on his limited budget.