Unforgettable Tragedy……
 Lose of two young Chaldeans

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As many of you know, on March 1, 2006, San Diego County lost two very young hard working, loving and caring members of the food and beverage industry who were doing their best to help their families. On that day, one or more heartless cowards went into Granada Liquor Store after they closed at 11:00 pm, robbed the store, then placed both victims, Heather Nabil Mattia, who was only 22 years old, and Firas Gayada, only 23 years old, face first and savagely shot them each in the back of the head in an execution style murder.

The family was devastated and rushed instantly to the scene of the crime, followed the next day by a candle light vigil held in memory of the beloved whose lives were cruelly taken. Hundreds filled the area surrounding Granada Liquor, somber and devastated, solemnly praying for two angels, Heather and Firas.

Heather was a youthful spirit, always happy to help and with a smile on her face. Her presence and participation in the church made an impact on several children in her catechism classes, and her established friendships will never go forgotten. She was a vital member in the Chaldean community and pain felt in every soul who heard of her tragic ending will only help us all to remember the beautiful girl many came to love.

Firas, a new immigrant to the United States of only 8 months, was a hard-working young man who labored two jobs in the hopes of bringing the rest of his family to join him in America. He struggled and spent long hours towards his attempt to achieve his goals, but then his life was wrongly taken. The innocence of this man will be treasured always.

As an industry, a community, and the interests of our society, we need to speak out in one unified voice to let criminals and others who may consider such heinous acts know that we as an industry and as a community will not stand for this! The perpetrators of such an evil act must be brought to justice swiftly and they must be punished. The San Diego community and society cannot survive and are not safe when we have criminals who roam the streets striking fear in the hearts of many. We must all do what we can to help law enforcement apprehend, try and convict those responsible for this senseless act of violence. There is nothing we can do to bring back Heather and Firas, but let us take back our streets, neighborhoods, and communities in their memory and in the memory of all those who lost their lives to such senseless acts of violence.

San Diego…As reported, since 1971, there have been 12 Chaldeans shot and murdered within the food and grocery store industry. The first eleven were male, and Heather the first female. Such tragedies will remain in our minds forever, and the loss of two lovely people will only bring us closer and more aware of the dangers outside. May the beautiful Heather and Firas rest in peace now and forever.