October 2, 2007

Vigil for John Riggins

Last month, a homeless man named John Riggins was found dead in the alley beside the Vin Santo restaurant on Lincoln Avenue. Unlike many homeless people throughout the state, Riggins was well known in the Willow Glen neighborhood and treated by residents like a friend.

Shortly after his death, a sizable group of Willow Glen residents held a vigil in his honor. Led by a bag piper, they carried candles from the alley where he died to the Boulangierie. It is a sad time for Willow Glen.

Frank Anthony Souza was arrested on Sept. 7, about a week after Mr. Riggins was killed, for the murder. He currently is in jail in San Jose. —Photos by Ashley Rodriguez