Community Gathers To Honor Father Slain In Front Of His Family
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Murdered in front of his wife and two kids, a community on Friday night remembered a Dallas man they are hailing a role model.
Dallas Police said Pablo Pedraza was shot and killed by James Smith after investigators said the two go into an argument.
Witnesses said Pedraza was at a family barbecue on Valentine's Day when Smith showed up with his wife. Family members said they politely asked Smith to leave. Some Spanish was spoken according to witnesses and Smith thought Pedraza and others were speaking poorly of him.
Family members said a fight started and Smith eventually left and came back with a gun. That is when witnesses say Smith shot and killed Pedraza.
"He left his wife, two kids and he changed our lives. Nothing is going to be the same," said Eithel Pedraza, the victim's brother. "We don't understand in the middle of the kids. I can't believe it."
Police said after they tracked down Smith, they found a gun clip in his pocket and blood on his left shoe.
"It's now starting to sink in that he's not going to show up anymore," said Ryan Savard, a friend and owner of East Dallas Crossfit.
Savard said Pedraza was always the guy pushing people at the gym and encouraging those who were struggling.
"I think the world is a little bit of a darker place after seeing him go," said Savard.
Pablo's wife and two young boys must now learn to live without a man they and so many other looked up to as a leader.
"It's so difficult, but we forgive this guy," said Eithel Pedraza.
East Dallas Crossfit plans to hold a "Hero Workout" on Saturday, February 27 to honor Pablo Pedraza.
Members have also set up a GoFundMe page to help the family with funeral costs and living.
Smith remains at the Dallas County Jail. He is being held on a $100,000 bond as he faces a murder charge.
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