Family and friends are remembering Robel Abera as a “genuine, funny and caring individual.”
Abera, 20, was killed Saturday night in Hume Park. Officers discovered his body shortly after 7:30 p.m. after receiving reports of shots fired near Lower Hume Park.
“Robel Abera was a son, brother, and friend whose life was taken away on April 27th, 2019, the night of Orthodox Easter. Robel was the most genuine, funny, and caring individual. He had an infectious personality which made him very easy to love,” read a statement on a gofundme page created to help Abera’s family pay for the funeral and burial.
The family is trying to raise $20,000. So far more than $6,300 has been raised.
Some people have also left comments, offering condolences to Abera’s parents and paying tribute to the young man.
“Robel was such an amazing person to everyone he knew. He made it so easy to love him and to want to be a part of his life. He made such an impact on who I am and I will be forever grateful that I was lucky enough to have known him and loved him,” wrote Lexi Agen.
Jenni Novaky agreed.
“Robel was always such a caring, loving and compassionate friend to me and others. May he Rest In Peace, he will be missed,” she wrote.
Police have released few details about why Abera was shot.
This week, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team announced 19-year-old Sam Jafroudi, who was arrested Saturday night in Lower Hume Park by responding officers, had been charged with second-degree murder in connection with Abera’s death.
Investigators say the shooting was not a random incident and that Abera and Jafroudi knew each other. It’s not believed to be related to current gang activity in the Lower Mainland, according to IHIT.
Anyone with information about the case, who hasn’t spoken to police yet, is asked to contact the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-4448. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-08477.
To donate to the gofundme campaign go to www.gofundme.com/in-loving-memory-of-robel-abera.
