Community Rallies For Kirkland Dad Who Was Murdered

KIRKLAND, WA — Friends of the Kirkland father of three murdered in his home on May 31 are trying to rally community support to help the man's family.

Darwin Avid Garcia Franco was stabbed to death by a man police say was Garcia Franco's business partner. A woman in the home was also stabbed in the attack, but survived.

"A few things we would like to share with you all about Darwin is that he walked like Jesus in more ways than one. He clothed the poor, he housed the homeless, he loved unconditionally, he fed the hungry, he brought life and joy to all, he taught the hopeless, he would put the needs of others before his own, he revived dreams in everyone he met. Darwin’s smile was bright like the sun and could light up any room he would step into. Darwin’s love and kindness were able to leave such a big impact in this world," wrote family friend Kevin Lambing, who has started a GoFundMe fundraiser for Garcia Franco.

The fundraiser is seeking $30,000 to cover the cost of a memorial and funeral, and to set up a college fund for Garcia Franco's three children. As of Thursday morning, the fundraiser had gathered close to $4,000.

According to police, Saif R. Al-Obaidi, 35, of Redmond, broke into Garcia Franco's 131st Avenue Northeast home at around 2 a.m. on May 31. The three children living in the home were able to get out unhurt and called 911. Al-Obaidi stabbed another woman in the home about 18 times before she was able to escape, according to police.

The injured woman told police she knew Al-Obaidi, and police identified him as a business and personal associate. Kirkland police had been to the home earlier in the week for another incident.

Al-Obaidi is being held in the King County Jail on $2 million bail on charges of assault, burglary, and first-degree murder.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said that Garcia Franco's wife was hurt in the attack.