The family of a 19-year-old Oakland man who was stabbed to death last weekend is trying to raise money to bring his body back to Guatemala.
Aldon Rochel Mata Cardona was stabbed May 23 at about 6:45 p.m. in the 1700 block of East 19th Street, according to the Oakland Police Department.
Cardona was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police didn’t provide any other details about his killing.
On Wednesday, a family friend created a GoFundMe page to help raise money to send Cardona back home for burial. According to the webpage, Cardona moved to Oakland in 2023, lived with his older brother and uncle, and attended Oakland International High School.
He quit school to go to work in order to help support his mother, who suffered a stroke more than six years ago, according to the post, which describes him as a “humble, respectful, and hardworking young man.”
“He always cared deeply about his family and wanted a better future for them,” according to the post. “Sadly, his dreams were cut short too soon.”
As of Friday afternoon, the campaign had raised nearly $1,100 of its $3,000 goal.
Detectives are still investigating, but anyone with information, videos or photos helpful to the case is encouraged to contact homicide investigators at (510) 238-3821, a tip line at (510) 238-7950, or by email.
