A huge national outpouring of support for Rolling Oaks Mall shooting victim Jonathan Murphy, as a 'Go Fund Me' page set up to support Murphy's family has gathered more than $34,000 in contributions in less than 24 hours, two thirds of the page's goal, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Murphy was shot and killed by two armed robbers as he tried to stop them from sticking up the Kay Jewelers outlet in the mall Sunday afternoon.
A friend said on the page Murphy and his wife Aimee had gone to the store to have their wedding rings cleaned. Friends described Murphy as a 'natural protector' who was protecting his wife and other customers from the robbers when he was shot to death.
They say Murphy successfully defended his home from burglars once, and they say he was an ardent supporter of the U.S. Armed Services, particularly the Marine Corps.
Chris Cercone, a family friend, wrote this on the Go Fund Me page:
"I believe Jon would be incredibly grateful that you're helping to take care of his family now that he can't. I spoke with Aimee briefly, and while she is still in a complete state of shock, she is touched by the wonderful community from all over the world that has brought her warmth and support over the last 24 hours. And thank you to everyone who has sent a memory about Jon or kind word for his family. We see them all and they mean a lot."
One woman wrote that she was at the Mall during the shooting and 'saw Jon fall.'
"I truly feel like he kept my daughter safe, he risked his life to protect someone he had never met. It breaks my heart to know that as I got to hug her and be thankful that she is safe your family lost a great man. You will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. May you all find peace," she wrote.
The page is filled with tributes from people who knew Murphy and from people who never met him, but were moved by his sacrifice.
SEE THE GO FUND ME PAGE:
https://www.gofundme.com/support-victim-jon-murphys-family
There are also posts and donations from several members of the U.S. Armed Forces, expressing gratitude for Murphy's support.
Meanwhile, one of the people police say carried out the robbery has been formally charged with capital murder and could face the death penalty. He is described as a lifetime loser with a number of felonies on his record.
The second suspect remains hospitalized with wounds suffered when a second civilian pulled a handgun and shot him. Police say they are not even certain of his name, but he will also face capital murder charges. Police say they are looking at the two men in a series of other armed robberies around the city, including a robbery at a jewelry store in South Park Mall on Friday.
IMAGE: MURPHY FAMILY VIA 'GO FUND ME'