Family says Antioch homicide victim was loving father, friendly neighbor

ANTIOCH — The family of an Antioch man shot to death last week said he was a hands-on father and that from what they know, he had few enemies and left a trail of kindness among the people he encountered.

So it is that they are looking for answers as to why somebody fired at 43-year-old Junior Rospigliosi on Jan. 10, hitting him multiple times. Officers found him down after being called to the 900 block of Fitzuren Drive about 8:20 p.m.

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He died at the scene. He left behind his wife, Zully, two sons, ages 22 and 18, and an 8-year-old daughter.

Antioch police have not announced any arrest. The homicide was the first in Antioch in 2024. Police investigated 11 homicides in the city last year.

“He was a great father. He would give his life for his kids. That to me is the No. 1 thing that always stood out,” Karol Rospigliosi, Junior’s sister-in-law, said.

An online fundraiser created by the family to help with funeral expenses and other needs had solicited more than $10,000 in donations by Wednesday morning.

Antioch police have not identified any suspects or said what they believe the motive for the shooting may be. They have not responded to multiple inquiries about the incident.

“He was a very friendly guy, very easygoing,” Karol Rospigliosi said. “He got alone with everyone. They live in a tough neighborhood obviously, but he got along with all of his neighbors.”

She said Rospigliosi spent years in the air conditioning and heating industry, and in recent times, had done handyman work for those who needed it. His family immigrated to the United States from Peru, and Rospigliosi arrived when he about 12 or 13 years old, Karol Rospigliosi said.

“The family is devastated,” she said. “It was such a tragic and unexpected thing that happened. So they were completely devastated. They have moments when they’re OK, but it’s been a very rough, awful time.”