ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – For the Kaufman family, Father’s Day has been marked by a profound absence for the past three years. The lighthearted jokes of their beloved Karl Jurisson are now cherished memories.
“On Father’s Day three years ago, he said, ‘Hey, I have to go, I love you guys, best Father’s Day ever.’ He left to check on his girlfriend’s house while she was in Panama,” recalled David Kaufman, the owner of Kaufman’s Coffee & Bagels.
But Karl never returned. According to Kaufman, a group of teenagers attempted to steal his car and ended up shooting and killing him.
“He was loving, funny, and everyone knew him. He had a way of making people feel like they were his best friend,” said Kaufman.
This Father’s Day, the family transformed their grief into a celebration of Karl’s life during an anniversary event at Kaufman’s Coffee & Bagels.
“I’m holding back tears as we talk about it,” Kaufman shared. “We’re honoring him with pictures in the shop, having his friends gather, and wearing his signature ‘Carl with a K’ hat.”
In a tribute to Karl, a portion of Sunday’s profits will be donated to the New Mexico Crusaders for Justice, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families impacted by gun violence and advocating for changes in state laws to better protect crime victims’ rights.
“The situation has become untenable. If we can prevent even one person from losing a loved one to senseless violence, it’s worth it. My father-in-law would have handed over the car, his wallet, and even bought them lunch. Instead, they chose to shoot him,” Kaufman lamented.
The Kaufman family is determined to honor Karl’s memory and invites the community to join them in this effort.
In February, a judge sentenced Karl’s killer to 11 years in prison and five years of probation, according to court documents.