I found out that an old friend of mine was murdered walking in the Castro Saturday night. He told his partner that he needed to pick up some meds at Walgreen's and never came back. His partner got worried after a while and called around to the hospitals thinking he got hit by a car or something. A few hours later he got a call to I.D. the body. 
The police have someone in custody and said that he wasn't shot or stabbed, but said it was an ongoing investigation and couldn't say much else.
He was also violently attacked 4 years ago on Valencia by a group of kids who took his watch and cell phone. He was a sweetheart and I'm just crushed by this. Be careful out there, kids.
I was on 16th street yesterday and walked near Julian, but I didn't go down the street (because of time constraints). I was wondering if here was a memorial set up there for Richard. It's so disturbing and sad.
Thanks guys. They're having a memorial service in his hometown in Washington state. Here's his obit:
P.S. I'm not a fan of editing other people's posts, but I deleted Rick's surname in the previous posts since there is an ongoing police investigation and this thread is searchable via the internet. Sorry guys.
Survived by father Neil, stepmother Dorothy, siblings Debi, Bob, & Gayle, and Life Partner of almost 20 years David. A graduate of Inglemoor High School he later in life decided to pursue one of his many passions and received a Graduate Gemologist Degree from the Gemological of Institute of America (GIA), where he was also Certified as an Accredited Jewelry Professional. Beloved son, brother, spouse, uncle, and friend. Taken at the age of 47 in San Francisco. Richard’s passion for life and animals made him the beautiful person he was. He had worked as a Jewelry Professional for Neiman Marcus. In lieu of flowers please make donations to PAWS or Victims of Violent Crimes. Services being held at Emanuel Presbyterian Church 3/3/12 at 2pm.
