Edward "Little Eddie" Horcasitas, aged 40, passed away on July 30, 2023, surrounded by his family, due to complications from a brutal attack earlier that month.

Eddie had a heart of gold and was always ready to give without hesitation. He had a lasting impact on everyone he encountered. He was a dedicated student who graduated with Highest Honors from Berkeley City College in 2020. With an infectious laugh and warm smile, Eddie had the innate ability to lift spirits wherever he went. Like all of us, his life was complicated and complete with ups and downs, facing each turn with a positive outlook.

He is survived by his parents, Barbara and Edward; his sisters Maria, Bertha, June, and Kasandra; and his nephew Malakai.

A celebration of life will take place on October 15, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at the San Lorenzo Community Center Park. Friends and family are invited to remember Eddie, share stories and memories, laughter and tears as we come together to heal as a community. Additional details are available in the event tab above.

In lieu of flowers, donations for family expenses and legal support can be made directly at the “Give” tab above. Contributions will also support organizations in Edward's name and efforts to pursue justice for his untimely passing.

To Edward: Though we bid you farewell, you remain forever alive in our hearts. Your spirit continues to inspire us, and your memory will guide us as we navigate the world without your physical presence. We will remember your lessons: to stop and laugh, to dismiss our irrational anxiety, and of course, to treat ourselves. We use the pain from this tragic loss to fuel our fire for justice. Rest in peace, Edward, until we meet again.

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For those seeking information about the circumstances surrounding Eddie's tragic death, we are limited in what we can disclose as we are still hopeful to hold his attacker accountable. Eddie was violently attacked on July 7, stabbed in his chest and head, causing severe brain damage, the extent of which became apparent over time.

During his hospital stay, Eddie displayed immense courage and put up an incredibly brave fight. His initial days were focused on stabilization, and he was sedated to allow for the healing of significant injuries but would respond to our voices and touch. Upon regaining consciousness, though it was clear he would never be the same Eddie we knew, the damage to his brain was so severe that he was paralyzed in the left side of his body and we would never know if he would get full function back. Several days passed before Eddie was able to speak--we let out a collective sigh hearing his voice, though it pained us to see him in this state. Even with such unimaginable injuries, he was polite and gracious to everyone who helped him. His personality, characteristic wit, and positivity shone through.

There was a fleeting moment of hope when it seemed like Eddie would begin a long, difficult road to recovery. However, a sudden medical complication, a stroke caused by a brain aneurysm, led to a rapid decline in his condition. He was transferred to another hospital for surgery with a 50% chance of survival. His body held on through the next few days. After many many tests for brain activity and assessing his potential quality of life, the hospital staff told us that he would not recover. Eddie was no longer responding to our voices. He actually looked peaceful like he had already left us. The damage done by the ruthless stabbing was too severe. Despite the best efforts of the Neuro ICU healthcare team, Eddie passed away on July 30 surrounded by his family. We were and are devastated.

Our grief is compounded by the lack of prosecutorial action. Although the assailant has been identified, the Alameda County District Attorney has refused to pursue charges. The family is deeply committed to seeking justice for Eddie and ensuring that such a tragedy does not happen to another family. Your generous donations will not only help us get closure through the legal process but also to pursue the recall of failed District Attorney Pamela Price. Any additional funds will be donated to an appropriate charity in Edward’s name. 

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