Friends remember victim stabbed outside Phoenix bar

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - For the first time, we're hearing from friends of a man who was stabbed to death shortly after leaving a valley bar.

Now one of the suspects in the case is behind bars as the friends prepare a vigil for the victim.

38-year-old Gabriel Medellin was a well known volunteer and advocate in the LGBT community.

Babe Caylor had known the victim for nearly 20 years.

"We accepted him just as he was. He was my baby boy and I am going to miss him," said Caylor.

Police arrested 55-year-old Richard Mraz, a transient. He told police that the victim, who was walking home from a night out, tried to take something from him while he was asleep.

Officials say Mraz, another transient and the victim struggled, and the victim was stabbed to death. The other transient is still on the loose.

Those who knew Medellin find the suspect's story hard to believe.

"We will not let his image be tarnished by the meanness that happened to him. So it has brought everyone together as we see in planning this event for tonight," said Caylor.

A list of popular performers will take the stage Tuesday night to raise money for the 38-year-old's family to help pay for funeral expenses.

"A good hearted spirit can only be celebrated, not knocked down. We will not let his spirit be knocked down," said Caylor.

The fundraiser and vigil is set for 9pm on August 23rd at 7th Avenue and Camelback in Phoenix.