The Northeast Florida community is rallying around the family of a construction worker and father of two young children who was shot and killed last week at a St. Johns County job site.
Friends, coworkers and neighbors have begun sharing a fundraising campaign to support the family of Joseph “Joe” Manfredi, describing him as a devoted husband and father whose life revolved around providing for the people he loved.
The campaign has raised more tha $17,000 so far.
Organizers say Manfredi’s sudden death has left his wife facing the unimaginable task of raising their two children without him while also navigating funeral costs and household expenses.
“We are heartbroken to share the unexpected loss of Joe who meant so much to so many,” the campaign reads. “He was more than a husband and father. He was the kind of person who showed up for the people he loved and worked hard for his family.”
Manfredi was killed Wednesday afternoon at a construction site in the SilverLeaf community, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators say the shooting occurred shortly before 4:45 p.m. after a dispute between coworkers escalated into gunfire.
Authorities allege that 20-year-old Yovany Lopez Cobo shot Manfredi during the confrontation. Two other workers were also wounded in the incident and taken to local hospitals with serious injuries.
Detectives say surveillance video captured an argument between the two men moments before the shooting. According to the arrest report, the dispute stemmed from comments made about Manfredi’s wife.
Investigators say Cobo claimed Manfredi kicked the suspect during the altercation, after which the suspect pulled a handgun from his waistband and fired several shots.
Manfredi died at the scene.
Lopez Cobo was later stopped by deputies at a gas station along State Road 206, where authorities say they recovered a Glock 19 handgun. He has been charged with second-degree murder with a firearm and two counts of attempted second-degree murder.
As the criminal case moves forward, friends say their focus remains on supporting the family Manfredi leaves behind.
Donations to the fundraiser are intended to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial stability for his wife and their two children as they navigate life without him.
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