Donations flood in from around the world for family of Rockford homicide victim
The family of Miguel Perez, a Jehovah's Witness in Rockford who was gunned down earlier this month, is receiving support from all over the world.
A memorial service held for Perez Feb. 18 was streamed live via Zoom and according to family, reached its full meeting capacity with 1,000 connections.
Attendees logged in from 25 states and 15 countries around the world, including as far away as New Zealand, Peru and Nigeria, the family said. As a result, financial contributions to a GoFundMe account topped $76,000 as of Monday and continues to grow.
"It reminds us that we belong to a worldwide family," the Perez family said in a statement. "When one member of the family is in pain, we all suffer along with him and do what we can to help out. This kind of generosity was one of the qualities that defined Miguel as a person."
More:Police: Rockford teen accused of murdering Jehovah's Witness in custody
Police said Perez, 54, was shot while sitting inside of his vehicle waiting on family members, also Jehovah's Witnesses, who were walking door-to-door talking to residents on Feb. 11 in the 1300 block Seventh Avenue in Rockford.
A 15-year-old boy was arrested Feb. 14 in the 1500 block of Broadway. He's been charged with murder. The boy's name has not been released because he is a juvenile.
Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Global donations continue to pour in to a grieving Rockford family
