COLUMBUS, Ohio — Saturday marks six months since Alejandro Fajardo Torres was shot and killed while trying to stop a robbery inside an AutoZone near Polaris. Three suspects have been arrested in the case and will go to trial in the coming months.
Selvya Fajardo, Alejandro’s sister, shared how police finding and charging the suspects has helped in her family’s path toward closure.
“To not have him it still feels surreal. It just hasn't completely registered,” Selvya said.
There was possibly no one who loved him more than his 11-year-old son, Alexander. In Alejandro’s absence, the family has been forced to adjust how they care for him.
"His dad was his everything, his muscles, too,” Selvya said.
Alexander was born with cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair. Alejandro played a huge role in helping his son get around.
"There's nothing that he wouldn't have done for his kid,” Selvya said.
Selvya said Alexander still wonders about his dad.
"He's still going through the motions just asking about his dad everyday, wanting to hear things about him," Selvya said.
The incident occurred last August.
A little more than a month later, two of the suspects, 23-year-old Zackeyis Davis and 28-year-old Darius Wynn, were indicted. Anthony Blakely, 28, was indicted in December and charged with one count of aggravated murder and two counts of aggravated robbery.
"He thought that once the bad guys got put away, his dad would come back. So what do you say to that?" Selvya said.
Selvya said they try to remind Alexander his father died a hero, trying to save someone’s life. Alexander knew this to be true long before he was gone.
"He asked if we were going to make him a statue for his super dad,” Selvya said.
All of the suspects pleaded not guilty to their charges. Each of them have trial dates set for April and May. Selvya said she and her family plan to be there for all them, coming out in full force.
"It's almost providing some type of closure to get closer to that time, but its still hard. Every day is a struggle,” Selvya said.
Selvya also acknowledged how her family has bonded together over the last six months.
"It's made us realize life is short. I mean we never expected this to happen. It was just a quick 10-minute drive to go get a part for his car,” Selvya said.
Her family now hopes to see that justice is served.
"People need to be held accountable for their actions so this doesn't repeat. And we gotta stop the cycle, it has to start somewhere,” Selvya said.
Saturday afternoon an event is being held at the Local Cantina at Creekside at 2 p.m. for family and friends to get together and remember Alejandro.
The family also made T-shirts to be sold. All proceeds will go towards buying a wheelchair accessible van for Alejandro’s son, Alexander.