Loved Ones Gather for 17-Year-Old Fatally Stabbed

Jeffrey Quirino died in the hospital Sunday morning, nearly one week after someone stabbed him on the sidewalk of Delrose Avenue in Spring Valley

Loved ones gathered in Spring Valley Sunday, just feet from where Jeffrey Quirino was stabbed last Monday, to remember the 17-year-old victim.

Quirino died in the hospital Sunday morning, nearly one week after someone stabbed him on the sidewalk of Delrose Avenue, Sheriff's detectives confirmed.

His older sister Kimberly Quirino said she was by his side until the end.

"We call him our giant, gentle giant because he was really big, but he was like the nicest person ever," she said of her brother.

Jeffrey was the youngest in his family, but loved ones said he took care of his disabled mother.

He had plans to finish school and join the Navy to help support her.

"He was the one always by her side, he was the one keeping the family together," his sister said.

A shrine has been growing on Delrose Avenue since last week filled with cards, flowers and candles.

Even in death Jeffrey donated his organs benefiting several people, including saving another 17-year-old who now has Jeffrey's big heart.

San Diego Sheriff's deputies responded last Monday to a report of a fight on Delrose Avenue in Spring Valley, but by the time authorities arrived investigators said a driver passing by had already taken Quirino to the hospital.

Detectives from the San Diego Sheriff's homicide detail, Rancho San Diego Station and the East County Gang Task Force are investigating the stabbing, but said it will be a difficult case because they only have a vague description of the suspect, they said. 

"He'll live on in between us," she said. "He'll never be forgotten."

Kimberly and her boyfriend are expecting a son in October, and they're naming him Jeffrey.

"Now he's our angel," she told NBC 7. 

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