Arturo Velazquez Chavez, a 35-year-old man from Durham, North Carolina, tragically lost his life on January 24, 2025, in a fatal shooting while working at a food truck. Arturo, known for his dedication to his craft and his generosity, was in the middle of preparing orders when the incident occurred. His family described him as a hardworking individual who poured his heart into his work, often refusing to take days off because of his passion for cooking and serving others.
His brother, Julio Velazquez Chavez, who owns the food truck, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, emphasizing that Arturo was helping him fulfill a dream.
The shooting took place at the Mexican JV American food truck off of N.C. 55 in Durham, where Arturo was alone at the time. Messages of love and remembrance quickly appeared at the site, reflecting the impact he had on those around him. His sister-in-law, Laura Diaz, recalled how Arturo would often step in to help other food truck owners when he saw they were overwhelmed, demonstrating his selfless nature.
Authorities identified the suspect as Jeisson Munoz-Valencia, a 32-year-old resident of Durham. Munoz-Valencia was arrested and charged with murder in connection with the shooting. The circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation, but the arrest provided some relief to Arturo’s grieving family and community.
In response to the tragedy, Arturo’s family organized a fundraising event with various food trucks to help cover funeral expenses. The event, held at 2601 N.C. 55, aimed to honor his memory and support his loved ones during this difficult time. A GoFundMe campaign was also launched to assist with costs, reflecting the widespread support for Arturo and his family.
Arturo Velazquez Chavez’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched with his kindness and dedication. His tragic death has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but his spirit remains in the memories and stories shared by his family, friends, and the Durham community.
