Charalambos "Bobby" Antonelos, a 61-year-old resident of Los Angeles, California, tragically lost his life on October 12, 2016. Antonelos, originally from Lixoudi, Cephalonia, Greece, was a beloved figure in his community, known for his generosity and kindness. He owned Bob's Hamburgers in Harbor City, a popular local eatery where he was working on the day of his death.
On the morning of October 12, 2016, Antonelos was behind the counter at his restaurant when a man entered and began
shooting at another individual, Louis Garcia, who was standing on the other side of the counter. Antonelos was caught in the line of fire and was critically wounded. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead at 10:39 a.m. The intended target, Garcia, died at the scene. The incident was a result of a dispute that had occurred a few days earlier.
The investigation into the shooting quickly led to the identification of a suspect, Joey Mendoza, an 18-year-old gang member. Mendoza was arrested the following morning at his parents' house. The police were able to identify him through surveillance footage, witness statements, and gang intelligence. Mendoza was charged with two counts of murder for the deaths of Antonelos and Garcia. The shooting was believed to be gang-related, with Garcia being a member of a rival gang.
Antonelos' death was a significant loss to the community. He was known for his charitable acts, often giving away food to those in need. His family and friends remembered him as a hardworking man who was looking forward to his retirement. The community mourned his passing, and a memorial was set up outside his restaurant. The case against Mendoza proceeded through the legal system, with the charges reflecting the severity of the crime and the impact it had on the community.
