Two attacks, both involving a knife, occurred within seven hours of each other in the same shopping center at Kirby and Quince, one resulting in the death of University of Memphis student Aaron Vasquez.
According to Memphis Police Department investigators, Vasquez, 19, was taking the trash out behind El Toro Loco Mexican Bar and Grille, where he worked as a baker, when an unknown attacked him. Vasquez was able to make it back inside before collapsing and being found later by a coworker.
Paramedics pronounced him dead in the restaurant kitchen about 3:45 a.m. Saturday.
According to police, the suspect left in Vasquez's vehicle, a green 1998 Toyota RAV4 with the tags 779-VWD, which has yet to be recovered. Police described the suspect as a black man wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and gloves.
A similar crime occurred about seven hours earlier at New China restaurant, a six-minute walk from El Toro Loco. Police said that it has not been confirmed that the two incidents are related.
A male employee of New China stepped out behind the business at about 7:45 Friday night and returned with a slashed throat. The employee gave a description similar to the El Toro Loco incident. The New China employee was treated at the Regional Medical Center at Memphis.
Vasquez was a sophomore communications major at the University of Memphis, an avid member of the local music scene and known by many as a positive figure.
"He was a lovely young man, the kind of student you wanted to have in class," said Cathy Dice, Vasquez's English professor. "The last day of class he came in excited about an internship possibility on campus, all dressed up in a jacket and tie for his interview."
Vasquez was commonly seen rolling around campus on his longboard and talking to everyone he came in contact with.
"Aaron was the most light-hearted, welcoming person I knew," said local photographer Sam Leathers, who initially met Vasquez at St. Benedict Academy four years ago. The two stayed close via the local music scene. "He always made friends wherever he went and made everyone laugh."
Vasquez made friends with all musicians, no matter the genre, said fellow musician Bret Max.
"He was an incredibly respectful person and even managed to bridge the gap between different music scenes as a musician with no more than kind words and a good spirit. He will be missed in more ways than one," he said.
Vasquez was a member of a local band, Taller Than Giants, which consisted of some of his closest friends.
"He always cheered everybody up and never had anything negative to say," said local record label manager Brian Vernon. "I remember them playing a show to a bunch of elementary school kids and him just having a blast the whole time."
For those who want to pay tribute to Vasquez, there will be a viewing today at Memphis Funeral Home at 3700 Germantown Road from 5 until 8 p.m.
Anyone with information about this homicide should call Crime Stoppers at 528-CASH or text a tip by typing the keyword 'AWARD' to 274637 (CRIMES).
