Mesa residents are mourning the death of a man called a community “pillar” by the city and an “angel” by friends and customers of Lamb’s Shoe Repair.

More than 100 comments have been left on the City of Mesa social media platforms following the shooting death of Jesus Fabian De La Rosa.

And the Mesa Police Department, which investigated and arrested a suspect in connection with his killing, added to its official release on the case, describing the owner of Lamb’s Shoe Repair as a “pillar in our Mesa community.”

On Saturday, police announced that Lynell Brosier, 65, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of the 58-year-old De La Rosa, whose body was found Dec. 6 on the floor of his business at 28 S. Macdonald.

The reaction to his death came quickly with posts on a police department social media website:

“This breaks my heart. This man was so kind.”

“We as a community have lost one of the hardest workers and staple of the community.”

“May he rest in peace. He was a friend to everyone that came into his business. A tragic loss.”

“Fabian was such a wonderful person and craftsman.”

And to his killer: “If you needed help, he would’ve helped you!!! He would’ve given the shirt, shoes and more to make sure someone was granted ‘reassurance.’ He was an angel repairing souls & soles. Why would you harm someone so innocent?!”

In a follow-up to a post detailing its investigation, the Mesa Police Department stated:

“It goes without saying, but we want to say it anyway. Jesus Fabian De La Rosa (Fabian) was a pillar in our Mesa community. He has owned Lamb’s Shoe Repair since 2005 and has never hesitated to help anyone in need.

“It is apparent how much he meant to the community in the comments left by over 100 people on our social media platforms. Our hope is that his family sees and reads the comments and knows how much he was loved by seemingly everyone.”

The family told police they would like their privacy but “want you to know that they appreciate all of the kind words.”

Earlier this year, the city made a video of Lamb’s Shoe Repair and De La Rosa:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyaVGyhO2HM