The owner of a popular Richmond ceviche and wings eatery is in critical condition after being shot at close range Jan. 23 in Vallejo.
Hilario “Layo” Martinez, owner of Mariscos El Layo, was shot just before 9:45 p.m. while working inside his food truck, which was parked outside of the Omayh Food Mart and Liquor on the corner of Curtola Parkway and Marin Street in Vallejo.
A statement shared by Martinez’ family with Richmondside said that he had decided to do a food truck pop-up in Vallejo because his customers asked him to come there.
“Towards the end of his shift…a masked individual approached the window when Layo asked for his order and a single shot was fired,” the statement reads. “This single shot resulted in a traumatic injury. He has sustained life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition.”
Martinez’ mother saw her son get shot, the family added.
“This event occurred right in front of Layo’s mother, something no mother or family member should have to witness,” the family shared via its GoFundMe campaign for Martinez. “The pain all his family and loved ones are going through is devastating.”
Almost a week later, Vallejo police have not determined a motive in the shooting and have not announced any arrests or named any suspects. They did not respond to Richmondside’s request for an update on the investigation before publication time.
According to a KRON4 report, a witness reported seeing a person in dark clothing approach the food truck, exchange words with Martinez, and then fire a single shot before fleeing toward the marina.
The GoFundMe has raised $14,686 of its $20,000 goal to help with his medical expenses.
According to the family, Martinez, who is 31, launched his business in 2018 with a $60 gift from his grandmother and brother, using it to buy his first ingredients.
“He started his business alongside his family by selling ceviches from home and slowly expanding his menu in which he sold ceviche and aguachiles,” the family statement reads.
By using social media to promote his food and cooking process, Martinez has grown his business’ Instagram page to more than 47,000 followers.
He now operates out of his own space inside the Family Market and Deli on Seventh Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in the Iron Triangle.
“Working in the deli brought him more clientele which then inspired him to expand his menu from Mexican seafood to his famous wings,” the statement added.
In addition to chicken wings, Martinez also began selling shrimp pasta, pizza fries and shrimp quesadillas from the deli.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank everyone for keeping Layo and his family/son in your prayers,” the family said.
