A 24-year-old Filipino man was shot dead on New Year’s Day in Manhattan Beach, California.
What happened: Andrei “Nico” Gianan had just finished working his shift at a Wingstop in San Pedro and was presumably heading to a party in Manhattan Beach when he was fatally shot in the head in the 1400 block of 11th Street at around 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Gianan’s death: Gianan was reportedly brought to Harbor General Hospital with “life-threatening” wounds to the head. According to his sister, Nina, doctors concluded that there was no chance of Gianan’s recovery due to the extreme severity of his head injury, which penetrated his brain stem.
“It’s been very heartbreaking,” Nina told FOX 11. “There are five of us siblings in this family, and we just lost our baby brother. The pain is unimaginable.”
Investigation: The Manhattan Beach Police Department, who initially responded to the scene, believe that the shooting was not random. However, Gianan’s family believe the incident was a “senseless act of violence” and that “he was just at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
The case has been transferred to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau, who are still investigating and seeking leads in the fatal incident. As of now, the authorities have not identified any suspects or established a motive for the killing, and there have been no arrests made in connection with the incident.
Family calls on public’s help: Gianan’s family has turned to the public for help with any information. Nina has also set up a GoFundMe campign to help support Gianan’s funeral expenses and related costs. They have raised almost $19,000, as of this writing.
Remembering Gianan: Gianan is remembered by his family and friends “for his infectious smile, his goofy personality and his big heart.” According to his family, they are honoring Gianan’s life by making the decision for him to be an organ donor, ensuring that he continues to live on by contributing to saving other people’s lives.
“Deep in his thoughts, carefree in expressing ideas, likes, and dislikes and has an easygoing personality that everyone loves,” Nina said. “He was shy but observant. Daring but sometimes overly cautious. He was never about himself but about others at all times. He could make the whole room laugh and was a joy to be with.”
Anyone with information regarding this shooting is urged to contact the police at 310-802-5127.
