Carwash Fundraiser Held for Stabbing Victim’s Family
Tracy Lehr
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Friends, family and neighbors gathered Saturday for a car wash fundraiser to help support the children of a man fatally stabbed during the week of Fiesta celebrations in downtown Santa Barbara.
Anthony Michael Bisquera Hartley died from his wounds after the early morning attack on Aug. 1 along the 500 block of State Street. Two other victims were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch have been filed against the three men arrested in connection with the multiple stabbings. The defendants — 28-year-old Juan Fernando Rios, 30-year-old Sergio Rivas, and 29-year-old Luis Gerargo Terrazo — were taken into custody for their alleged involvement. Police said the incident happened just after midnight, when officers on foot patrol for Fiesta activities were flagged down by a passerby who reported several people fighting and a man brandishing a knife.
The fundraiser, held in Santa Barbara, drew dozens of volunteers and supporters. Organizers said the event was meant to raise money for Hartley’s three children and help them prepare for the upcoming school year.
“My niece comes and goes, ‘Hey Tia, they’re gonna be doing a car wash for the kids,’” said Hartley’s relative, Katia Parradas. “All his friends came together… I’m really thankful for all his friends that came together with all the love that they had for him. This shows who are your true friends and we want to thank everyone that came through to support, either to wash the cars or give donations.”
Parradas said the family’s primary concern is making sure the children have stability following the tragedy.
“It’s just the kids. Those kids are my nephews. There are three of them. It’s hard with one kid — imagine three,” she said. “We need to get them back to school. And we’re here to actually make all this come true. It’s beautiful. I love it. It really fills my heart.”
By the end of the day, the group had raised significant funds through car washes and donations, with many in attendance saying the show of support could be felt “all the way down the street.”
“It’s the friends that came together to give the love and support for his kids,” Parradas said. “His legacy is going to continue, and now I know my nephews are going to be okay with the love that is already being shown by everyone around here.”
If you’d also like to donate, you can support the family by donating through GoFundMe.
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