Beloved Oakland Restaurant Owner Killed in Front of Son
On Wednesday, May 18th, beloved co-owner of Filipino restaurant Lucky Three Seven, Jun Anabo(Jun Jun), was shot and killed in front of his Oakland restaurant. We learned via the Lucky Three Seven Facebook page that this happened while his 11-year old son stood close by. According to a friend, six shots were heard and the son was found screaming with his father on the ground.
Police learned of Anabo’s shooting at 9:44pm when an alert came to them via ShotSpotter. Paramedics tried to save his life on the scene but he eventually succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The cause of this tragedy is not fully determined but according to KTVU, “investigators are looking into whether the shooting had to do with Anabo buying a truck for a relative, only to learn that the vehicle was stolen. The victim may have been trying to get his $15,000 back.”
The family of Anabo, friends, and neighbors are mourning the loss of a community leader this week. A GoFundme has been set up to help support his son. On the GoFundMe Page, his sister says, “My brother hated talking about death, but he did want me to make sure that Kiah reached his happiness whether its college or his other passions. The very fiber in me wants to make this happen. There is no need for funeral expenses, everything donated will go toward Kiah, his future, and my brother’s last wish.”
This death is impacting the neighborhood and the Bay Area foodie community because of Anabo’s kind spirit and his ability to connect with everyone. Co-owners Anabo and Mark Legaspi often supported those in need with employees passing out not only the famed chicken wings, but also free meals and school supplies.
There will be no replacing Anabo in the community and this is hitting everyone hard. The Fruitvale Being Neighborly group on Facebook organized a card for the victim’s family as well as flowers to be placed at the scene. A small gesture which shows just how beloved Anabo was. Legaspi said that the two opened the restaurant nine years ago to “give back to this community”. Anabo and Legaspi purchased the space from family members who were looking to retire.
The family of Anabo is reeling with few answers yet as to why this happened. This tragedy comes just a week before Anabo’s 40th birthday and a celebration planned for Kiah’s 5th grade graduation.
According to the SF Chronicle, No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
For now, the restaurant remains closed as family prays while “hoping for any light.”
To support Lucky Three Seven, you can share or donate via their GoFundMe which will go towards Anabo’s son’s future needs.