People who knew 59-year old Benjamin Mustafa, the victim of this city's latest homicide, began leaving items in his memory at the Tim's Market Tuesday morning.
Mustafa owned the store and was shot and killed during an armed robbery there, in the 1600 block of Ayers, Monday afternoon. Police were able to track down three suspects -- Victoria Cavazos, Arturo Navarro and Daniel Garcia, all 26 years of age -- at a home on 15th Street near Morgan.
All three were arrested for capital murder, and if found guilty, could serve life in prison.
The three suspects were magistrated in court Tuesday morning. Their bonds were set at $1.5 million.
Meanwhile, at Tim's Market, where Mustafa worked, a small memorial was set up. People showed up throughout the day to pay their respects to the late businessman, who many say had business interests and friends all over the city.
Kiii News Reporter Anayeli Ruiz went Live from the make-shift memorial with the details.
It was an outpouring of love from many who called Mustafa a dear friend.
"I just can't believe it at this time. This man would give you the world," customer Debbie Suddeth said. "I don't know who did this to him, but they need to pay for whatever they did to this man."
Mustafa, known to his friends as Ben, was loved by many. Most described him as a kind man who would always be willing to help those in need. Former workers said Mustafa would give stuff to the homeless, or to the those in need, without asking for anything in return.
One friend said that he would have coffee with Mustafa everyday, and he remembers him as a happy man who would always be excited about his days.
"Myself, all the friends around him, are very much in depression that this could happen to such a happy-go-lucky, friendly guy," friend Mitchell Hamauei said.
Hamauei said Mustafa was an Iran native living the American dream. He owned several businesses in town, including a car lot.
In addition to the makeshift memorial that was set up Tuesday, a candlelight vigil will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday in front of Tim's Market. The entire city is invited to attend.
