A tragic event unfolded on June 21, when Matheus Gaidos, a 27-year-old Brazilian flower delivery man, was fatally shot in Oakland's Koreatown following an alleged, seemingly innocuous comment about a passerby's pet. The senseless act of violence has sent shockwaves through the community, as Gaidos's family and friends seek justice for their loved one.

Following the incident, authorities have charged 22-year-old Eric Loc Elvira with Gaidos' murder, as reported by the Mercury News. Loc Elvira is suspected to be the man seen in surveillance footage having an altercation with Gaidos before the shooting. However, Loc Elvira remains at large, despite Oakland Police releasing photos of potential suspects and requesting the public's assistance in identifying them.

The chilling events leading up to the homicide began when Gaidos, who was delivering flowers at an apartment building, allegedly remarked to the man walking two dogs, "nice dog." This was according to a friend with whom Gaidos was on the phone at the time. The confrontation escalated quickly, culminating in Gaidos's tragic death. While Gaidos was on the video call with the friend, he was reportedly heard saying he had been shot.

Gaidos moved to the United States five years ago to escape street violence in Brazil and worked as a delivery driver in the Bay Area for the past three years, as previously reported by Hoodline. His parents, Isabel Martines and Antonio Gaidos, recently arrived in the Bay Area from Brazil, in shock over their son's death. They are now asking for an end to senseless violence and hoping for justice in the tragic loss of their only child.

Despite still being wanted by the police, Elvira was charged with Gaidos' murder after a former employer helped police identify him as the suspect, according to a KTVU report. Continuing the investigation, the Mercury News explains that Elvira was also tied to the crime through "electronic data" and an inquiry to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Meanwhile, Gaidos's friends and other members of the community are grappling with the horrifying incident in what should have been a safe environment. Two friends from Brazil, Dario Pacheco and Guilherme Silva, who now work as delivery drivers in the Bay Area, expressed concern for their safety, stating, "It could be us. Could be another friend. Now, we don't think we're safe outside."

As the family faces immense grief, Gaidos' loved ones have launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for his body to be returned to Brazil for burial. Police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering up to $10,000 in reward money for information leading to the arrest of the alleged shooter.