Harsh winter weather didn't stop friends and family of a Bridgeport murder victim from honoring his memory outdoors Monday night.

They attended a vigil for 27-year-old Steven Vega in the Trumbull Gardens community, where his family lives.

"My son was an amazing person who was protecting his family when he was killed," said Yelizabeth Acevedo.

"It's not like he was out doing something bad on the street when this happened. He was at home protecting his family," she said.

Vega died at a local hospital Sunday after he was shot at a house on Lake Street around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, officials said.

Police have arrested 47-year-old Nelson Garcia, of Bridgeport, in connection to the city's first homicide of 2025.

The deadly encounter began with an argument at the Lake Street house, then boiled over into gunfire, police said.

"Steven was a hard-working guy who was endlessly devoted to his family -- a good guy, a great guy who everybody loved and respected," said Harry Bell, of Color A Positive Thought, a popular youth program run out of the Trumbull Gardens Community Center.

"I've known Steven and his siblings since they were born - and this is very, very sad and very, very bad," Bell said.

Police ask anybody who can help them solve his death to call 203-576-TIPS.

To donate to the GoFundMe effort for the Vega family and 1-Year-Old Daughter, click here.