Donald DePina was working his shift as a cab driver in New Bedford on the night of Saturday, November 28, 2015, when two individuals requested a ride. DePina, 66, a Vietnam veteran and former Director of Veterans’ Services for the city, was found around 11 p.m. in the Brooklawn Park parking lot, unresponsive with a gunshot wound. He was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital and pronounced dead about an hour later.

Investigators say the two teenagers had asked to be driven to the park intending to rob him. Evidence recovered included video from the taxi’s on-board camera showing one of the suspects driving the cab after the shooting. Within two days police arrested an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old in connection with the killing. DePina is remembered by family as a devoted father, grandfather and uncle and by the community as an advocate for veterans.

If anyone has information about the events that night or remembers seeing the taxi near Brooklawn Park, please come forward.