A 24-year-old Dodger fan whose dad works as a security guard at the stadium and who was fatally stabbed after a Dodgers-Giants baseball game in San Francisco was there to celebrate his father's birthday, his family said.
The victim's father was working at Dodgers Stadium the night in 2011 Giants fan Bryan Stowe when was brutally beaten by LA fans. His family said he's stunned that same violence has visited his family.
Jonathan Denver, a plumber’s apprentice, traveled to San Francisco from Fort Bragg, Calif., for the Dodgers-Giants game at AT&T Park Wednesday night. Authorities said the fatal stabbing occurred during a rivalry-fueled fight that broke out near the stadium.
"I wish I could tell you how this happened, why this happened. I have no clue why anyone would do this to any family," said Janet Alvarado, the victim’s aunt.
Denver’s aunt and grandfather spoke to NBC4 Thursday evening from their home in Covina, where they were still trying to make sense of it all.
"It was senseless, completely senseless because he wouldn't hurt anyone. He was a gentle sweet boy. He didn't deserve this," Alvarado said.
Denver grew up a Dodger fan in Southern California and remained one even after moving north several years ago, his aunt said.
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"It never dawned on us to worry or be frightened for them," she said.
Denver's father, Robert Preece Jr., works at Dodger stadium and was there the night Giant's fan Bryan Stowe was severely beaten by Dodger fans in March 2011, his family said.
The victim's grandfather says his son was stunned at the violence then and can't believe the long-standing rivalry has now taken the life of his own son.
San Francisco police announced Thursday evening an arrest had been made in the case. Michael Montgomery, 21, of Lodi, has been charged with homicide.
