Help Us Seek Justice and Healing for Nicholas

Hello, my name is Robert "Bobby" Zapata. I’m a husband, a father of six boys—four of whom are still with us—and a man carrying a heavy burden.

On September 23, 2023, our world shattered when our oldest son, Nicholas M. Zapata, was taken from us in a senseless act of violence. He was just 19 years old. While attending a birthday party, an altercation escalated, leading to an unimaginable tragedy. Since that night, my wife and I have been navigating the painful journey of grief, legal battles, and financial hardship as we fight for justice in his name.

For nearly two years, we have traveled back and forth to Illinois for court hearings, ensuring our son’s voice is heard. We are now approaching the final stages—the plea and sentencing—where we need to be present, not just for Nicholas but for our family. However, the financial strain has left us in a difficult position. We have exhausted our savings and taken on overwhelming debt just to be there for our son and ensure justice is served.

I am humbly asking for your help. We need assistance covering travel expenses, accommodations for family members, and the financial burdens this tragedy has placed on us. Any support, whether through donations or simply sharing our story, would mean the world to us.

Nicholas was a kind, loving young man with dreams and a future ahead of him. He deserved so much more. If you would like to follow our journey, I will continue to post updates on Facebook. You can also look up his story under Nicholas M. Zapata, Bloomington, Illinois.

Thank you for reading, for your support, and for keeping our son’s memory alive.