Fund set up for Fil-Am child orphaned by murder-suicide

SAN FRANCISCO – An outpouring of affirmation and donations exceeded the original goal of the crowdfunding campaign for the young daughter of Jasmine Monique del Mar, a Filipina American who lost her life unexpectedly in what authorities are investigating as a murder-suicide early this month in Pleasanton, a suburb east of San Francisco.

“It is with heavy hearts that we come together to comfort the family of Jasmine Monique del Mar, whose life was tragically cut short on Thursday March 7, 2024,” team fundraising organizers led by Riza Angeles wrote on the GoFundMe landing page.

“Jasmine was a devoted mother to her 10-year-old daughter Sofia. In support of Sofia and to honor our beautiful Jasmine, we are launching this GoFundMe effort,” Angeles emphasized in the fundraising launch a few days ago. “All proceeds will be dedicated to supporting Sofia as she navigates life without her beloved mother. Every contribution will make a meaningful difference in her life.”

Donors praised “Jas” de Mar as the “kindest soul” who would “light up a room.” Image: Jasmine Monique del Mar/LinkedIn

As of press time, the effort had raised $33,226.  The launch goal was $25,000.

“There are no words to express our appreciation for all of the love and support you all have shown. Clearly, Jas was loved by so many of you and this GoFundMe is proof of that,” Angeles expressed gratitude in her update.

“While we have surpassed our original goal, we are continuing to keep the GoFundMe open and active as we know that Jas is looking down on us, so appreciative of any and all support that will benefit Sofia and her future,” she explained the continued campaign.

“Jas,” as friends called her, was renowned in the community of beauty experts as an expert microblade artist and business owner.

Her Instagram account blooms with photos of her enjoying mom-and-daughter bonding, smiling and having fun.  The proud mother posted solo shots of her daughter, documenting milestones of her tender years.

Del Mar’s LinkedIn page has 1,000 followers and 500 connections.  Her profile identifies her as account executive and owner of Love Ink Brow since March 2017. The site states she attended Speech Communications at Chabot College in nearby Hayward before pursuing another career path at the California Department of Real Estate.

The circumstances surrounding her death were not mentioned by the fundraising organizers.

Ex-boyfriend

Inquirer.net USA’s call to the Pleasanton Police Department (PPD) for more information on the case was not returned at press time.

Published reports from local and regional media, however, quoted Pleasanton police as saying del Mar was alone late morning in her Pleasanton home when her ex-boyfriend reportedly forced his way in through a sliding door and shot her several times before fleeing.

A KRON report quoted police as saying the ex-partners shared a daughter, who was not identified.  Neither has the alleged gunman been identified at press time.

Reports say police arrived at the scene after a neighbor reported hearing what sounded like gun shots and gave a description of the vehicle driven by the alleged shooter.  A police officer reportedly saw and trailed the vehicle on Interstate 580, where it crashed into the center barrier near San Leandro.

A standoff followed as police tried to communicate with the suspect, who they said was unresponsive. California Highway Patrol, San Leandro Police Department and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office reportedly responded to assist PPD.  Officers later approached the vehicle and found the suspect had “succumbed to his own injuries,” according to reports.

Domestic violence

“This is a tragic incident,” Pleasanton police Chief David Swing said in a statement, according to Pleasanton Weekly.  He said the city is “committed to supporting victims of domestic violence” and encouraged people experiencing domestic violence to call their police or advocacy groups for assistance.

The Pleasanton tragedy occurred a day after the first death anniversary of Frances Kendra Lucero, the Daly City woman shot dead allegedly by her ex-partner in front or her children. Photo courtesy of Liezel Lucero

Pleasanton or Alameda County residents may call the PPD at 925-931-5100 or the Tri-Valley Haven 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 800-884-8119 for help.

Domestic violence “hurts everybody,” says Joanne del Rosario, 2024 president of domestic violence prevention group ALLICE. Photo from Cherie Querol Moreno

The tragedy occurred one day after the first death anniversary of Frances Kendra Lucero, who was shot dead allegedly by her ex-partner in front of their two children March 6, 2023 at the home she shared with her parents in Daly City.

“Everyone – the whole family, friends – hurts in these tragedies,” Joanne del Rosario, 2024 president of Daly City-based domestic violence prevention organization Alliance for Community Empowerment (ALLICE ) told Inquirer.net USA when news of the Pleasanton shooting broke.

“By the same token it is everyone’s responsibility to educate ourselves about the dynamics of abuse,” she added. “We need to understand the root causes, recognize signs for abusive behavior and learn safety planning.”

Del Rosario, who is a council member in Colma, recommended keeping note of the toll-free 24-hour National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233 for information on the service agency in every county or state.

“You never know when someone may need it and chances are it can save a life,” she said, offering condolences to the Lucero and del Mar families.

Donors praised Del Mar as a “beautiful soul” who would “light up a room.”  Another said, “she was always so sweet” and had “the kindest soul.”

Fundraiser lead Angeles spoke for some 329 donors: “Jasmine will be deeply missed by so many family and friends. Please keep the family in your prayers during this difficult time. Mahalo nui loa.”