Emporia community working to send murdered man’s body home

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - The Emporia community is mourning the death of a man killed over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Police have a man in custody in connection with the death as the victim’s friends and family work to find a way to get his body back home.

Those close to Adolfo Callejo Viniegra are seeking closure following his death.

“He was a goofy guy, a funny guy,” friend Miguel Antonio said. “He was fun to be around. I’ve known him for a long time and I will for sure miss him.”

Callejo was found dead at a home in the 200 block of 10th Avenue. Emporia police arrested Alexei Perez-Ricardo, who has been identified as the primary suspect. Police said a fight may have led to Callejo’s death, but friends describe him as a calm and happy person.

“He (was) the joy of the party when there were (birthdays), weddings,” Kimberly Saldana said. “He always had a smile on his face.”

Now, the community is raising money to send Callejo’s body back to Chihuahua, Mexico, where he was from originally. Friends say they remember him as someone who was always willing to help anyone, and now, they want to help him return to his family.

“People are calling us, ‘Hey I want to help out, give some money so we can get him back to Mexico.,” Antonio said. “Which has been good, people working together, like a team, working on this together.”

Police are still investigating Callejo’s death. He is also known as Raul Rosado. Police ask anyone with information to come forward and speak with investigators.