Rigaberto Romero, 27, was shot and killed on July 1, 2016, near 24th and Shotwell streets in San Francisco’s Mission District. Found face down with a fatal gunshot wound to the head, Romero died at the scene after family and neighbors tried to help. Some witnesses described the shooting as a drive-by; as of the days following the killing no arrests had been made.

Known locally as the ambassador of Shotwell Street, Romero was well regarded for his friendly manner and for trying to keep respect and order among people who gathered in the neighborhood. His sister Irene Arevalo said he had been working toward a GED and had applied for a job at the Cheesecake Factory. Neighbors remembered his kindness, his sense of style, and how devoted he was to his mother.

The killing came amid a recent spike in violence in the area, including a shooting involving a close friend of Romero days earlier and another shooting shortly after his death. Residents gathered at a makeshift memorial and expressed alarm about neighborhood safety. If anyone knew Rigaberto or has information about what happened that night, please share what you can.