Fund to Aid Family of Slain Machinist

San Fernando officials have established a memorial fund to assist the family of Arthur Jensen Sr., who was killed by suspected gang members on Easter as he walked with his son to a neighborhood bakery.

“This is a real tragedy for the family and the city at large, because it could have happened to anyone,” said San Fernando Mayor Raul Godinez II. “Mr. Jensen leaves behind four young children, a wife, a mother and many relatives and friends. This is a family in crisis and I know we are a city that cares.”

Jensen, 32, was born in San Fernando but lived in Valencia, where he worked as a machinist.

He was walking with his 15-year-old son on Kalisher Street on Sunday evening when two unidentified men drove up alongside them. Jensen and the men began arguing and one of the assailants fired three shots as Jensen and his son fled in opposite directions.

The elder Jensen ran into the street, where he was struck by a passing car, but a spokesman from the coroner’s office said Jensen died of gunshot wounds and not from the impact of the car.

Donations to the fund will be used to pay funeral expenses, Godinez said.

“I don’t think it’s the case that a father can’t walk with his son to a family market in San Fernando. This was a freak thing,” Godinez said.

Contributions may be sent to the Jensen Family Memorial Fund, c/o the San Fernando Police Department, 910 1st St., San Fernando, CA 91340.

Information: Police Department at (818) 898-1250.