BELMONT, Mass. — Hundreds gathered in Belmont in honor of Henry Tapia, a family man who did everything for his wife and three children.
Hundreds chanted Henry Tapia’s name.
Tapia’s wife, family and friends cried as they sat there in a crowd of hundreds in Belmont for the 35-year-old who died in an apparent road rage incident that police say involved racial slurs. Tapia’s son held up a sign “I miss my Dad. Mommy won’t let me forget you.”
Henry Tapia leaves behind 3 children & wife.
— Malini Basu (@MaliniBasu_) January 21, 2021
Henry’s close family, friends & dozens of people are now gathered in the center of Belmont.
“Racial hatrid needs to disappear.” @BelmontPD
His son holding up the sign below. 💔@boston25 #HenryTapia pic.twitter.com/fLb9nlw0tV
“Say his name. Henry Tapia,” chanted the crowd.
On Tuesday, prosecutors say Dean Kapsalis, 54, and Tapia got into some sort of argument on Upland Road in Belmont. Investigators say it ended with Kapsalis using racial slurs against Tapia. According to investigators, Kapsalis then allegedly hopped into his pickup truck, aimed for Tapia, and ran him over on purpose.
Dozens of people are gathered here in Belmont in honor of Henry Tapia.
— Malini Basu (@MaliniBasu_) January 21, 2021
The 35y/o was killed during a road rage attack, where authorities say, racial slurs were yelled before the attack. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/ebi6IiCOlq
“Hate has no place here,” said Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.
Witnesses watched in horror. About 30 minutes after the incident, police say, Kapsalis turned himself in.
“Someone asked, has this ever happened in Belmont? It was at that moment, it hit me. We don’t have many murders, we have to go back 15 years,” said Belmont police Chief James MacIsaac.
Tapia worked as a construction worker, and dedicated his family time with his children.
“His smile can truly light up a room. We will always remember him for his smile. I need a moment,” said Sarah Biloudau, the victim’s friend.
Close friends couldn’t bare with the fact they will never see their loved one again. Strangers held up signs, and lit candles in his Tapia’s honor.
“We love you we miss you, we will keep fighting for you,” chanted the crowd.
Prosecutors: “A cowardly act. White man kills a black man during a road rage incident.”#Belmont#HenryTapia@boston25 pic.twitter.com/Pxe3Nap2bX
— Malini Basu (@MaliniBasu_) January 22, 2021
Family friends have set up a go fund me account to help pay for funeral arrangements.
As for the suspect, he’s being held without bail until a court hearing on Monday.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family.
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