I remember seeing Teddy, and before him, his dad, on Sunday mornings selling newspaper from way back when 9th Avenue Bakery stood at the Cafe Miro location.
KAIMUKI, OAHU (HawaiiNewsNow) -
A memorial continues to grow on a wooden bench outside Cafe Miro on Waialae Avenue.
There are flower bouquets, stuffed animals, and a card, signed by the grandchildren of Thaddeus Pirga, Junior, or Teddy, as he was called. There is even coffee and a breakfast sandwich from McDonalds. Family members say one of Teddy's loyal customers would bring him that every Sunday morning.
The 70-year old was stabbed multiple times this past Sunday about 3:45 a.m. He was taken to the hospital where he later died.
Teddy sold newspapers from the bench for years. Family members say his father did the same, from the same spot, and when he died, Teddy took over.
"It's horrible, because he was such a good person," says Jennifer Muehle, who lives in Kaimuki, "If you didn't have money for the bus, he'd give you a buck."
Police sources say they have few leads and no suspects, and the motive is also unclear.
Surveillance cameras at a nearby bank did not catch the attack on video. But the bank is working with police to see if the killer was somehow caught on tape in the area.
Some neighbors did report hearing an argument early Sunday. Family and friends say they don't know of anyone who would want to hurt Teddy, and police say this was not likely a robbery.
If you have any information that can help, call Crimestoppers at 955-8300.