A memorial continues to grow outside the Bullpen Tavern in Imperial Beach after Joe Rivera, 36, a father of four, was fatally shot early Saturday morning.
Surveillance video from a nearby home captured the sound of a gunshot just before 1:30 a.m. Rivera, who had ridden his skateboard to the bar to meet his brother, was found dead outside. Authorities have not yet disclosed what led to the shooting.
Rivera’s sister, Virginia Coughlin, described him as “an amazing human being” and a devoted father. “Joe is a peacemaker. For him to have his life taken in this way is just a huge shock and devastating,” she said.
Rivera, a plumber, leaves behind four children ages 6 to 13. “He loved his children so much. He was just out here grinding, trying to make a better life for them,” Coughlin added.
Deputies have arrested Vince Quintero, who is charged with murder and grand theft of a firearm. Investigators said Rivera did not know the suspect. Quintero entered a not guilty plea during a Thursday court appearance.
“Joe deserves justice. He deserves to have his life back. That’s not going to happen, but he deserves justice for what happened,” Coughlin said, urging accountability.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover funeral expenses and support Rivera’s children.
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