Co-workers of the young woman found dead in a suitcase last week will hold a fundraiser in downtown San Diego Thursday.
Shauna Haynes was found April 6 stuffed in a suitcase left near some trash bins behind an apartment complex near 7th Avenue and A Street.
Investigators arrested a co-worker of Haynes in the crime but have not disclosed a motive.
Joshua Palmer, 32, is being held on $2 million bail while he faces first-degree murder charges in connection with Haynes’ death.
Prosecutors said the pair went to Palmer’s home where Palmer allegedly beat and strangled Haynes and then stuffed her body into a suitcase.
Palmer has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His attorney, San Diego County Deputy Public Defender Katie Belisle, said Haynes, Palmer and a group of people who worked together would socialize after work.
"Mr. Palmer was a friend of Miss Haynes - not her murderer," Belisle said.
While the investigation continues, the Old Spaghetti Factory restaurant is focused on supporting Haynes’ family and helping employees cope with her tragic death.
A fundraiser will run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Old Spaghetti Factory restaurant on 275 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101. Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from the fundraiser will go to Haynes' family.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on this case can call the SDPD’S Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
Photo Credit: Courtesy GoFundMe page