Grandfather killed in traffic disturbance in Turlock

TURLOCK, Calif. – A Turlock family is demanding justice after a road rage incident over the weekend resulted in a 49-year-old grandfather being stabbed and killed.

Turlock police said it happened Friday night near West Monte Vista Avenue.

Enrique Gomez's family gathered in the parking lot next to A's Barbershop, where he was killed. His sister Thelma Losano said they spoke to his friend, who was also in the car that night and watched it all happen.

They said he was stabbed around 10:30 Friday night after he asked a driver to slow down as he left his younger sister's apartment complex.

“Which started in my sister's apartment when my brother backed out of the driveway and saw a car speeding down the street in a residential area — My brother kind of yelled, “Slow down!” — “This led to my brother being persecuted, mocked and murdered,” Losano said.

She said her brother was pronounced dead 30 minutes later.

According to Turlock police, the stabbing occurred after the two men got into an argument related to the traffic incident.

Hours later, Ahmad Abweny, a 28-year-old Modesto resident, was arrested. He is accused of murder.

The family said he had ample opportunity to leave the area but instead cornered their brother.

“To just circle the building and block him in that exact spot…blocked him, got out, got in his trunk and took my brother's life. “He stabbed him, as far as I know, a single stab wound in the upper chest area,” Losano said.

Losano said her brother was released from prison about six months ago, but he is turning his life around, has his own apartment, a well-paying job and is engaged.

He had the biggest heart in the world. He would give his shirt to anyone who is unable. “He was a great man, a great man, and when he loved, he loved 100%,” said Carmella Finley, who is also Gomez's sister.

Gomez leaves behind four children and four grandchildren.

The family said they were grateful for the quick arrest in his death, but they wanted the alleged killer to spend the rest of his life behind bars.

“It was something that was in his head. He probably thought about it several times and committed the crime. “So I want justice to be served and I want him to be in prison where he can reflect on his actions for the rest of his life,” Losano said.

The family plans to hold a vigil and candlelight prayer over the next five nights at 7 p.m. in the same parking lot. Participants are encouraged to share stories and memories of grandfather.

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