NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — The family of a well-known businessman and community leader in Niagara Falls is sharing their version of what they think happened to him, as police continue to investigate his death.
It has been an extremely difficult time for the family of Jessie Richardson, who was found dead in his home two days ago.
Police are investigating his death as a homicide.
His family believes he was murdered.
Richardson, a father of two, had long been a staple in Niagara Falls, running Richardson's restaurant and helping get kids off the street.
"He was devoted to this community, they loved him," said Priscilla Richardson, Jessie's wife. "He would mentor them and tell them, 'Don't be out there. Get a job.' He was like, 'Don't go out there doing the wrong thing.' "
But according to Richardson's family, not everyone wanted to see Jessie create positive change.
They say on numerous occasions Richardson had been robbed at his business and at his home on Calumet Avenue.
"He had called police many times, and he had gotten paranoid, and he was afraid for his life," Priscilla Richardson said.
They say police never developed credible information.
"He didn't have a lot of leads," said Girard Hunt, Jessie's grandson.
Richardson's family says they believe intruders went into his home on Monday and shot him.
His granddaughter, Geria Hunt, says the following day she found her grandfather dead on his bedroom floor, from an apparent gunshot wound. She said that Jessie, who had a gun in his hand, might have been attempting to defend himself.
"The first thing I saw on the floor when I came in was the karaoke machine on the floor, and I walked over it, and I just ran to the back," Geria Hunt said.
Police are investigating Richardson's death as a homicide.
On Thursday, 2 On Your Side asked for an update on the investigation but we have not heard back.
The loss of Richardson has been not only difficult for patrons and many elected officials in the Falls, but especially devastating for his family, who are so accustomed to have him in their lives.
"We spent the whole morning putting Christmas gifts together, and that's what I was kind of looking forward to this year, putting the Christmas gifts together with my grandfather and with my sister for our kids. It's just hard doing to without him," Girard Hunt said.
Richardson's wife tells 2 On Your Side she expects to get results of her husband's autopsy Friday. At 7 p.m. Friday, a vigil will be held outside Richardson's to pay respects to this beloved member of the community.
