Community helps family of woman stabbed to death

When Nicki Rubio heard the devastating news, she knew she had to do something.

Her son plays soccer with one of the sons of Phyllis Mendez, who was stabbed to death earlier this month in a motel room.

Police arrested Mendez’s husband, Juan Ruiz Marin, just hours later on suspicion of murder.

But the story didn’t end there. Mendez, 32, left behind three other children in addition to Cesar, the soccer player. All four are trying to pick up the pieces while living with their aunt in Westminster.

Now Rubio, the unofficial “team mom,” and other parents in the soccer league are collecting donations to ease the transition for the Mendez children.

“The minute we found out what happened, we collected money in a box. The whole community in the Oak View area was involved. We also held scrimmage games and the referees worked for free. Usually kids pay $3 each to help pay for the referee; all the money paid that day went to Cesar’s family,” Rubio said.

“It was so nice how the whole community came together for this family.”

Rubio didn’t know Mendez or the rest of her family well, but still felt compelled to help.

“She didn’t get to come to the games because she would work all day,” Rubio said.

Cesar’s team is hoping he will join them Sunday to play at their next game.

“He’s the star of the team,” Rubio said. “He’s just a great kid. It’s just so sad that he doesn’t have a dad or a mom now. I’m hoping he comes back, so we can help him live a normal life.”

Rubio had trouble deciding whether to mention it to her son.

Eventually, the rumors became rampant enough to drive her to action.

“I kept it from him for a week and a half,” she said.

A funeral service for Mendez was last Saturday. A charity group collected donations to cover the funeral and burial expenses.

“The oldest child is 16, and she wants to keep the family together, but since she’s still a minor, the kids may be split up or put up for foster care,” Rubio said.

“Their aunt is trying to keep them until the 16-year-old turns 18.”

The team has donated another $100 to help the family, and is also collecting clothing and toys. The charitable efforts will continue in the future.

The youngest girl in the family had a birthday this week but no party; her mother was planning it before she died.

The group is soliciting unwrapped gifts for the little girl, to make her day a little brighter, Rubio said.

“I just want to help this family,” Rubio said. “I feel so bad. I’m just a part of the community, but that little boy — he’s like a little boy of mine. I’m with those boys every weekend.”

HOW TO HELP

For information on how to donate funds, clothing or toys, e-mail nickirubio@remcomkt.com.

CANDICE BAKER may be reached at (949) 494-5480 or at candice.baker@latimes.com.