Friends and family of Rosario Zito are mourning the death of the restaurant owner, who was shot and killed in front of his business Tuesday night.
Zito was the owner of Giovanni's Pizzeria in southeast Albuquerque, according to KRQE. He served his community for more than 30 years and was known as a kind and compassionate man.
"He's been like a good father to me," Tomeeko Morgan, one of Zito's employees, told KRQE. "He's been helping me. He's been doing a lot for everybody."
Zito was fatally shot in what police described as a robbery that turned into murder, KRQE reported. Sylvan Alcachupas, 27, was accused by investigators of shooting and killing the pizzeria owner.
Alcachupas faces charges of murder, robbery, and evidence tampering, according to a second KRQE article. He attempted to rob the business shortly after it closed. Witnesses said a man in dark clothing walked up to employees who were gathered outside. He pointed a gun and demanded them to empty their pockets. Alcachupas allegedly challenged Zito and said, "You wanna play?" He then fired a warning shot into the air.
Witnesses claimed that Zito pulled out a handgun and pointed it at Alcachupas, KRQE reported. Gunfire was exchanged; then, Zito lay on the ground as the suspect went through his pockets. Zito died on the scene from his injuries.
"This tragedy – he didn't have to lose his life for a couple of dollars," Joseph Santangelo, a friend of Zito's for nearly 50 years, told KRQE. "Rosario was one of the best friends I have ever had."
Santangelo said he will never forget Zito's positive, outgoing spirit.
"Very happy-going fella, very, very happy," he said of Zito. "Him and his wife – everybody knew him. He was a blessing to each one of us."
People created a memorial for Zito with flowers, candles, and handwritten notes in front of Giovanni's Pizzeria.
A GoFundMe account was set up to help support Giovanni's employees.
