At the same time, Fredonia Police Chief Bradley C. Meyers and District Attorney Patrick E. Swanson refused to release the victim's name, deferring to the family's wishes. Family members acknowledged that they wanted time to get word of George Penev's death to relatives in Bulgaria before it was reported by news outlets. But the family also spoke of their loss as part of a GoFundMe appeal.

"I was awoken by a phone call at 2 a.m. on Dec. 11," wrote Maria Penev, George Penev's sister. "A police officer told me my brother George, known by most of Buffalo as Penev, was shot four times in the chest by a Fredonia police officer on Monday, Dec. 10, at 1:30 in the afternoon ...

"Those of you who were lucky enough to know George were probably also his friend," she wrote. "He had an amazing ability to get along with everyone he met. He was quiet, but every time he spoke was well thought out; with reason and logic, showing wisdom beyond his years."

The appeal, with a target of $10,000, raised $10,276 in 17 days.

Pete Penev said his son worked for the family's trucking company, helping to arrange logistics. His Facebook page indicates he graduated from Iroquois High School, studied at Erie Community College and was a witty observer of popular culture.