Michael Thompson Jr., a 42-year-old man from Philadelphia, PA, was fatally shot on September 29, 2016, outside his home in the Hunting Park neighborhood. Thompson, who was African American, left behind nine children and his fiancée, Michelle. The tragic incident occurred after Thompson confronted an ex-offender, Gary Saunders, 28, who had assaulted Thompson's fiancée after sleeping on the family's porch.
Saunders was later charged with Thompson's murder, but the police have not released a motive for the crime.
The Gun Violence Survivors Foundation, a Montgomery County-based nonprofit, set up a fundraiser to support Thompson's family. The foundation established 529 Savings Plans to help cover the tuition costs for three of Thompson's children and accepted donations to cover household bills and related expenses. The fundraiser aimed to raise $10,000 but has since raised nearly $3,000. The foundation also provided the family with two months of rent to help them during this difficult time.
Thompson's father, Michael Thompson Sr., who had previously lost another child to a heart condition, expressed the pain of losing a child and the impact it has had on the family. He described Thompson as a loving father who had a great relationship with his children. The elder Thompson stated that he is prepared to continue working to assist his family and ensure that Thompson's memory lives on through his children.
The case remains under investigation, and the community continues to support the Thompson family through various means, including donations and memorial events. The loss of Michael Thompson Jr. has deeply affected his family and friends, who remember him as a devoted father and loving partner.
