Friends of Kameron Nelson say they were not surprised to learn the Rochester man was trying to stop a domestic violence dispute when he was fatally stabbed outside The Mafia Hub early June 20.
The 33-year-old was known for helping anyone in need, friends said, and many believe that instinct led him to intervene moments before his death.
Kameron Nelson was a helper at heart, they said.
“If you ever knew Kam Nelson, you’ll know the stories all have one thing in common ― he was the first to do anything he could to help you,” Amanda McNinch wrote on Facebook. “An extra cig, food, anything you needed, it was ‘I got you.'”
Police said the 33-year-old was fatally stabbed several times outside of The Mafia Hub bar on St. Paul Street around 3:30 a.m. June 20. Nelson, a cook at the bar, saw a couple fighting outside and attempted to intervene, according to police.
“Kam did what many people wouldn’t,” bar managers Khyber Amail and Jonathan Quinones said in a joint statement. “When he observed a domestic altercation in the adjacent alley, he leaped into action without hesitation to defend a woman in need. In that single, selfless act of bravery, his life was taken senselessly. He died a hero.”
In the days following Nelson’s death, many took to social media to celebrate his character and mourn this loss.
Suspect arrested in Mafia Hub bar stabbing
Rochester police said the incident began when 23-year-old Alexavier Colon became involved in an argument with his girlfriend inside the bar. The couple moved outside, where the dispute escalated into a physical altercation.
When Nelson attempted to intervene, police allege Colon stabbed the man several times and then fled. Colon was arrested and charged with second-degree murder the same day.
Police said Colon was released from prison last month and was wearing a GPS ankle monitor at the time of his arrest. He recently completed a three-year prison sentence for criminal possession of a weapon in connection to a 2021 shooting on Sullivan Street.
The Mafia Hub said it will strengthen security measures and review the guest screening process in light of the incident. The bar said it is committed to honoring Nelson’s legacy through future community-focused initiatives.
A GoFundMe has been started to assist with funeral costs.
A police investigation is ongoing. RPD has asked anyone with video footage or information to call 911, the major crimes section at (585) 428-7157, Crime Stoppers at (585) 423-9300 or email majorcrimes@cityofrochester.gov.
— Kayla Canne covers community safety for the Democrat and Chronicle with a focus on immigration, police accountability, government surveillance and how people are impacted by violence. Follow her on Instagram @bykaylacanne. Get in touch at kcanne@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Friends remember ‘hero’ killed at Mafia Hub
Reporting by Kayla Canne, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kayla Canne, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | USA TODAY Network
