Yonkers Store Owner Ruben Martinez Fatally Stabbed After Altercation With Shoplifter, Police Say
YONKERS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - An immigrant family in Yonkers is grieving after their patriarch was stabbed to death, defending his store.
As CBS2's Tony Aiello reports, stricken by grief, family and friends of Ruben Martinez are turning to their faith, putting a shrine in a corner of the clothing store he spent years building to support his family.
"I think it's really unfair, work for your business to have something in life and then somebody just randomly take your life away trying to take basically what you worked for," said Yonkers resident Alex Ramirez.
Ramirez saw the aftermath of Tuesday's crime.
Yonkers police say it started on New Main Street when a young man got into an altercation with a cab driver. The suspect then entered Premier Fashion and allegedly stole a ballcap.
Surveillance video shows him putting the cap on his head, an then returning to the store.
Witnesses saw an altercation as Martinez grabbed a large stick and demanded the thief return the hat.
"he owner of the store ran up to the young guy with a stick, and the young guy came at him, stabbing him, and then ran off. That's all I saw, really," said Yonkers resident Elizabeth Pina. "He was defending his store. That was his reaction - I'm defending my own."
Police say Martinez died from multiple stab wounds, he had four children including Christopher, his business partner, who was too upset to speak on camera.
The boutique had just moved up the street to a larger, nicer space one month ago. Martinez was looking forward to greater post-pandemic success.
Yonkers police spent the day looking for additional surveillance video to help track and locate the suspect.
The family has started a GoFundMe campaign, asking for help with funeral expenses. To support it, CLICK HERE.