Heartbroken Crew at Marty's Chop Shop in Campbell Hosts Benefit for Family of Co-Worker Killed in Hit-n-Run

Employees of Marty's Chop Shop in Campbell are holding a benefit car show April 27 for the family of their longtime co-worker, Julio Rodriguez, who was killed in a hit-and-run accident this week on Highway 101.

Rodriguez, 28, was riding his motorcycle at 6 p.m. April 6 heading north on Highway 101 in Morgan Hill when he collided with two pickups and was struck by a tan SUV whose driver did not stop, according to police reports.

Rodriguez leaves behind his broken-hearted wife, Vanessa, two small daughters and his grief-stricken co-workers at Marty's.  

"Our shop will forever be changed without him," said Melissa, daughter of shop owner Marty Munoz Sr. "Julio was our employee since we opened in 2005. But he has been in our family's life for over 15 years. We all grew up together, and he attended elementary, middle and high school with Marty Jr."

The fundraiser car show, with proceeds and donations earmarked for Rodriguez's widow and girls, is set for Sunday, April 27 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 861 Camden Ave. in Campbell. 

There will be food, kids' activities and a raffle. Car entry fee is $10, and vendor booths are $20. For more information, call (408) 370-9440.  

Rodriguez grew up in San Jose, and he and his wife had just purchased a house in Morgan Hill. 

"The accident happened one exit from his home," Melissa said. "It is a tragedy what happened to him."

"He was a great family man," Melissa added, " and loved his wife, Vanessa, and two daughters very much."

[Previous story: SUV Driver Sought in Fatal Motorcycle Hit-N-Run on Hwy 101 in Morgan Hill.]