A pizzeria in Hillcrest will hold a fundraiser all day Monday for the daughter of slain Escondido police Officer Laura Perez.
Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria, 3958 Fifth Ave., is working with the Escondido Police Officers Association to hold the event. Organizers said 100 percent of the sales from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. will go to the Laura Perez Memorial Fund.
The fund also is accepting donations online.
The 25-year-old officer was fatally shot July 23 at her home in Murrieta, in Riverside County. Her husband, Freddy Perez Rodas, 27, is charged with murder and arson for allegedly burning down their house.
Their daughter, Suzeth, 4, is being raised by her grandmother, who is struggling financially, according to the organizers. Suzeth lost toys, clothing and blankets in the blaze, though most of those items have been replaced.
The event will also include a raffle for three footballs and two miniature helmets signed by NFL players, along with other memorabilia.
The fundraiser comes after a 25-year-old man was sentenced to one year in county jail for setting up a website to trick people into thinking they were giving money for Suzeth’s benefit.
Sami Ahmed Saeed, who pleaded guilty last month to identity theft, receiving stolen property and other counts, was also placed on three years probation and ordered by Judge Michael Popkins to pay restitution of about $3,000.
– City News Service
