Fundraiser Created For Family Of Man Killed In Smithfield Shooting

SMITHFIELD — An online fundraiser has been launched to assist the family of a man killed in a recent Smithfield shooting with funeral expenses and other costs.

The GoFundMe campaign was created by the victim’s father following the death of Rene Antonio Maldonado, whose family described him as deeply loved and said they are struggling to cope with the loss.

“With a broken heart, as a father, I’m sharing the loss of my beloved son,” Damarys Martinez wrote on the fundraising page, adding that donations will help ease financial burdens while the family focuses on grieving and honoring his memory.

Maldonado, 28, died following a shooting reported around 10 p.m. Feb. 2 at the 301 Mobile Home Park on South Brightleaf Boulevard near Wal-Pat Road, according to Smithfield Police.

Authorities charged Albert Abdelnor, 23, with first-degree murder in connection with the incident. Police said the shooting stemmed from an ongoing family dispute between the two men.