East Windsor Man Killed In Home Was Award-Winning Artist, Father

EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, NJ - An East Windsor man who police say was murdered in his home last week was an award-winning artist, devoted husband and a loving father, according to an online fundraiser started to help his family.

Luis Sanchez, 30, was found suffering from multiple stab wounds on the back patio of his home in East Windsor Township earlier this week. On Saturday, police announced that 37-year-old Jeffrey Vasquez-Calderon, who lived on the same block as Sanchez, was arrested and charged in connection with his murder.

Before his tragic death, Sanchez was emerging as a talented artist in Mercer County, according to the Luis Sanchez Donation GoFundMe fundraiser. Sanchez grew up in Queens, NY, where his inspiration came from the streets, Robert Nieto wrote in the post announcing the fundraiser.

In New York, Sanchez drew inspiration from the city’s raw grittiness and graffiti art. However, his inspiration and art changed when he moved to Princeton. His style evolved as he incorporated new life experiences, Nieto said.

In April 2016, Sanchez won Gallery on Main's April "Artist of the Month" award. His work was always a reflection of his personal experiences or what he observed from the experiences of others, Nieto said.

“He was a talented artist, a devoted husband, and a loving father-- a son, brother, nephew and faithful member of our family,” Nieto said. “In shock, disbelief, and with broken hearts, we are trying to come to terms with the loss of our precious Luis whose life was taken from us. Luis at 30 years of age enjoyed a beautiful life, a life full of many great things that the future held for him and others, a life who was beginning to flourish.”

Nieto launched the online fundraiser to help his family with funeral expenses. Most of the family lives in Florida, where Sanchez will be taken, according to Nieto. As of Sunday night, the fundraiser had raised nearly $6,000. To donate, visit gofundme.com.

Police believe Vasquez-Calderon and Sanchez left a nearby liquor store and lounge together earlier in the evening on Tuesday night, Feb. 26. They went back to Sanchez's house, where Vasquez-Calderon stabbed Sanchez numerous times with a knife, authorities said.

The two men were acquaintances, and they both lived on the first block of Bennington Drive, police said. A friend found Sanchez the following morning and called police. Upon arrival, East Windsor police found Sanchez's body on the back patio area of his home.

There were visible wounds and trauma to his body, and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Vasquez-Calderon was arrested and charged following an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the East Windsor Township Police Department.

Vasquez-Calderon has been charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon.

Vazquez-Calderon is currently being held in Essex County on an ICE detainer. He will be brought to Mercer County this week. The prosecutor's office will be filing a motion to have him detained pending trial, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.

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See related:
Arrest Made In East Windsor Man’s Murder: Police
Police Investigate Murder At East Windsor Man’s Home: Prosecutor