Grandfather of eight killed in East Village attack

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – Family members are mourning the loss of a grandfather who was shot and stabbed in the East Village area last week.

“He was a caring person with a big heart,” said Andrea Burnett-Davis, Tillis' cousin.

53-year-old Willie Tills was a familiar face in the East Village. He showed up three to four times a week to help the homeless.

“He would give them money and buy them food,” Burnett-Davis said.

Burnett-Davis believes he probably did this last Tuesday night on 14th Street near Imperial Avenue.

Police responded to the sound of gunfire and said Tillis was discovered on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound and stab wounds. He was taken to a hospital where he later died.

“Devastated, devastated, hurt,” said Victor Pearson, Tillis' brother.

Pearson said Willis, a grandfather of eight, always made time to help others.

“My brother was loving and looked out for everyone,” Pearson said.

A day after Tillis' death, 53-year-old Alex Bailey, the suspected shooter, was arrested during a traffic stop, according to police.

Prosecutors showed a group of Tillis' family members surveillance video of part of the incident several days ago.

“It was terrible. “In the video, the guy is jumping off the wall… Instead of letting my little brother walk by, he stood in front of him and they were talking to each other,” Pearson said.

“My brother turned to walk away and another man starts shooting… My brother was shot in the back… You see bodies but you can't really see what they're doing to him on the ground. Then they scatter.” .”

The brutality of the attack haunts Pearson.

Relatives are now publicly appealing for information, while several other suspects are still at large.

“We need closure and he deserves justice,” Pearson said.

A Gofundme campaign was launched to help the family with funeral costs.