Father fatally stabbed while protecting 8-year-old son from robber, family says

Family members say a father was stabbed to death outside his New Jersey home when he tried to defend his 8-year-old son from being robbed of a pair of sneakers.

Authorities say the stabbing happened around 7 p.m. Tuesday in Jersey City. Police found 30-year-old Jose “Migue” Malave in the doorway of his apartment in a “lifeless state.” Authorities say he was pronounced dead at 7:25 p.m.

Family members tell NJ.com Malave’s son had been targeted earlier in the day for his sneakers by a group of teenagers. Relatives say the teens came to Malave’s home and he defended his son when an altercation ensued.

Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said a 17-year-old boy has been charged with felony murder, armed burglary, weapons offenses, and conspiracy. The suspect’s name has not been released because he is a juvenile.

Malave’s sister, Yesenia, has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for her brother’s funeral expenses.