BRIDGEPORT--Friends and family gathered on Monday to remember Jose Araujo, 30, who was killed while working at a construction site on Thursday.
Police blocked off a side street near where Araujo was gunned down due to the number of people who showed up to honor him.
"He's nice, generous and a man of peace," said Ana Genova, a family member.
Araujo leaves behind a 5-year-old son and his girlfriend of three years, Analia Gray. "He was such a great person and if the world had more people like him--oh, what a beautiful world we would live in," Gray said. She said the pair were planning to get engaged soon.
"He was a gentle giant. Wherever he walked in there was a smile on his face. He always gave you a strong handshake " John Gomes, a family friend, said of Araujo.
Araujo, who was born in Cape Verde and moved to Bridgeport as a teenager. The city has a large population of Cape Viridian residents, many of whom are remembering Araujo.
"Whether we're from one island or another, were pretty much all family here," said Gomes.
Araujo's family members say they searching for answers as to why Jose Araujo was gunned down in an apparent random fashion.
Bridgeport Police have indicated both men were complete strangers.
"A lot of anger, a lot of hurt," Anita Dossantos, Araujo's cousin, said of the pain her and her family feel. "A lot of questions. I think that's what we want to know--'why?'"
On Monday the suspect in Araujo's shooting, Gregory Weathers, 33, was arraigned. He was supposed to appear in court on Friday, but that was delayed after police ordered that he get a psychiatric evaluation. Weathers is now being held on a $1 million bond and is due in court again next month.
Calling hours for Araujo will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, and his funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Augustine Cathedral Parish on 339 Washington Avenue in Bridgeport.
