Thankful for Show of Support

The sister of 10-year-old Francisco Meza, whose stepfather has been arrested in the boy’s fatal stabbing, thanked friends and relatives Friday for financial contributions to her brother’s funeral.

Norma Campos, 19, said she is baffled about any possible motive. Anaheim police say Efrain Loza Arteaga stabbed his stepson repeatedly in the throat last weekend.

“I can’t explain why it happened,” Campos said. “Nobody understands. Not even my mum, and she was living with [Arteaga].”

Francisco’s mother, Maria Guillen, was at work Saturday afternoon when Arteaga dialed 911 and told police dispatchers someone had been hurt. Officers arrived at the apartment about 2 p.m. with their guns drawn and ordered Arteaga out. Inside, police found Francisco’s bloody body in the apartment’s only bedroom.

Campos said Friday that Arteaga seemed like a calm, happy man who didn’t appear jealous of the relationship between the boy--known as Frankie--and Guillen, Campos said.

Anaheim police said that jealousy could have been a motive for the killing, and investigators had Arteaga tested for traces of alcohol or drugs.

Campos said the family had received help and support from teachers and parents at the James Madison Elementary School in Anaheim, where Frankie was a student. The school will put up a plaque by its basketball court to commemorate the boy who loved to play basketball and dreamed of playing professionally.

“We appreciate what people are doing,” Campos said. “It’s hard for me and my mother right now.”

Campos said Monday’s funeral is sure to further upset her mother. “It’s going to be hard for her to see him for the last time.”

Frankie’s father died four years ago, Campos said. Her mother had been living with Arteaga for three years. Neighbors have described them as a happy couple who often could be seen walking arm in arm.

Josie Montoya, the founder of the League of United Latin American Citizens, a community group that has been providing help, said Frankie’s mother needs money to move from the apartment where Frankie was killed. She said donations will not go toward Arteaga’s legal fees.

Contributions can be made by check to LULAC Council 3016, in care of Washington Mutual, 101 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805. The name Marie Guillen should be noted on the check. Information: (714) 774-0107.