"To Us He Is Still Alive" Friends Mourn Slain Bayside Jeweler

A great person. A brave man. A victim of a useless tragedy. Thats how friends of Fausto Rodriguez remembered the late Bayside jeweler, who was shot and killed on Aug. 31 inside Jillians Jewelry Co.
This week, Elmhurst resident Anthony Garcia, 25, on parole for a 1992 robbery, was apprehended by police for Rodriguez murder. A suspect in at least five other robberies in Queens during the month of August alone, Garcia could now face the death penalty if convicted of last weeks slaying.
"Mr. Rodriguez was beloved by his customers and neighbors," said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown. "His death is a terrible tragedy and his alleged killer will be vigorously prosecuted." Brown, who is still contemplating capital punishment for the two men charged in last summers Wendys massacre, now has 120 days to decide whether or not to seek the death penalty.
Authorities believe that on Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m., Garcia rang the buzzer outside Jillians, at 210-17 Horace Harding Expwy, and was let into the store by its owner. After perusing the jewelry cases, police said Garcia pulled out a .380-caliber handgun, forcing Rodriguez, 55, to open the stores two locked safes.
What happened next shocked a quiet Bayside community to its very core.
"I was at the crime scene and saw first-hand that which occurred," added Brown. "The stores owner was shot at least four times as he struggled with the gunman. What made matters worse was the fact that he was shot in front of his horrified and hysterical wife." Police said Garcia swiped over $1,000 in jewelry before demanding that Rodriguez wife buzz him out of the store.
A beloved fixture in the community, Rodriguez death leaves a hole deep within the hearts of some of his closest friends. Lena Brisken, owner of Alicias Golden Dream fine jewelers has known Rodriguez since 1986, and attended his funeral last week. "Its hard to accept, if someone is ill you keep it in mind that they might die," said Brisken. "But this happened so quickly. It seems so unfair."
Looking back fondly, Brisken remembers how their special friendship blossomed 15 years ago. "He did some special orders for us," she said. "Hed always say How can I say no to you. He was a great person as much as a great jeweler."
After his arrest early last week, prosecutors allege that Garcia confessed to Rodriguez murder, telling police, "I stole a car and was looking for a place to rob."
Bruce Barkett, attorney for Garcia, said the police are trying to pin all of Queens recent crimes on his client. "It wouldnt be the first time an innocent man confessed to a crime," said Barkett. He added "I certainly havent been convinced that hes guilty from the evidence Ive heard so far."
However, these words are of little comfort to the heartbroken friends of one of Baysides cherished jewels. "We give sympathy to his family," said Brisken, "and if they need any help, well be there for them; and for Fausto.
"But to us, he is still alive."