The family of Gerald Taylor is dealing with his killing while raising funds to help cover the cost of his funeral.

Taylor, 24, was stabbed to death Saturday at Pebble Creek Apartments, 4251 Jimmy Johnson Blvd. The same day, Port Arthur police arrested Amesty Smith, 23, for murder. Taylor’s family says Smith was his girlfriend.

Megan Mejia, Taylor’s sister-in-law, said he was a wonderful person.

“He loved his family and was always there for family and friends no matter the situation,” Mejia said.

The deceased had attended school in Port Arthur and was working at a car wash.

“And he loved his dogs,”Mejia said, her voice picking up slightly from the somber mood. “He absolutely loved his dogs.”

He owned two female pitbulls that “were his babies.”

The family began the task of raising funds for his funeral on Sunday — one day after they received the call of his killing.

“We got the call that morning and went over there. Police were over there at Pebble Creek. He was staying there with his girlfriend at the moment,” she said.

Taylor was part of a large, very close family who all came together at this time, she added.

The crime

Port Arthur Police Department dispatch received a 911 call of a person down at Pebble Creek Apartments on Saturday morning.

When they arrived, officers found Taylor deceased with a stab wound to his chest.

Smith was arrested and is held on a $750,000 bond, according to information from the Jefferson County Correctional Facility’s Jail Roster.

Taylor’s death marks the sixth confirmed homicide in the city for 2019.

The fundraiser

Mejia said the family wants to thank everyone who has donated at this time.

The family will be selling plate lunches for $10 each at noon Friday and Saturday at 3201 Eighth St. in Port Arthur.

Friday’s menu includes spaghetti, green beans, green salad, garlic bread and slice of cake.

Saturday’s menu includes guiso (stew), rice and tortillas.

To place an order, call Megan at 999-5288 or Damien at 347-4096.