The man who was fatally stabbed in downtown Santa Barbara last week was a “kind, easy-going man,” and father to three children.

Family members have identified the victim as Anthony Michael Bisquera Hartley, 30, who died after a fight broke out at about 12:20 a.m. Friday on the 500 block of State Street.

“If you knew Anthony, you knew him as a goofy, easy-going guy,” said his sister, Monique LaMarca. “You knew that he was an amazing father who showed up for his children, and worked hard to provide for them.

“You knew that he was a solid friend and brother/son.”

LaMarca has started a GoFundMe page for her brother and posted on her Facebook page that “he was taken from us in the worst possible way. Meaningless violence.”

LaMarca told Noozhawk that her brother was 6 foot, 3 inches tall, “large in stature, but he was a kind, gentle and caring person.”

The Santa Barbara Police Department has released little information about the fight and the stabbing, and what may have led to the scene that unfolded in front of several downtown restaurants and bars.

Two other people also were stabbed but are expected to recover from their injuries.

“This is an active investigation the detectives are working, and I won’t be making any comments at this time,” Police Chief Kelly Gordon told Noozhawk.

People took cell phone video of the scene early Friday morning, and some of those videos have circulated in the community and on social media.

Videos show portions of the fight and the aftermath of the stabbing, with people calling for crews to help the victim. Others on social media have criticized the speed of the Police Department’s response.

Three people have been arrested in connection with the stabbings.

Sergio Rivas, 30, was taken into custody on Sunday, and was found in possession of a loaded firearm, police Sgt. Brian Kerr said.

Luis Gerado Terrazas, 29, was taken into custody Friday, and Juan Fernando Rios, 28, was arrested Saturday, according to the Police Department.

Rios, according to Santa Barbara Superior Court public records, has previously been charged with felony attempted murder in 2018, but was found not guilty by a jury.

Court records state he was found guilty of a lesser charge of assault with a deadly weapon. He served 582 days out of a 4-year prison sentence.

District Attorney John Savrnoch told Noozhawk on Monday that the three suspects have not been charged, and that the case has not yet been handed over to their office.

A memorial with candles and flowers has been set up at the site of Bisquera Hartley’s death.

“To say this is a loss is an understatement,” according to the GoFundMe. “Anthony leaves behind three young children, his mother Karen, his siblings, nephews and many close friends.”

He turned 30 in January.

“Anthony was a devoted father of three kids,” LaMarca said. “He worked hard to provide for his children. He loved to read, sketch and draw, watch scary movies, and spend time with his family.”

She said her brother “loved doing activities with his kids, like the beach, Santa Barbara Zoo or going for hikes. “

He was one of five siblings raised by a single mother. He was born and raised in Santa Barbara and attended local schools. 

LaMarca also addressed the situation on her Facebook page.

“My brother may have looked intimidating standing at 6 foot, 3inches, but Anthony was a kind, easy going man,” she said. “He was a great father to his three children.

“He worked hard to provide and show up for his children. He was an amazing uncle that has showed up to every birthday party, and would help BBQ or hold the pinata.”

She called him a great brother.

“He was easy to talk to, and we loved hanging out and playing games or just reminiscing,” she wrote. “Even though he was fourth in our five siblings, he was my mom’s baby. Her big, giant baby boy.”

The GoFundMe can be reached here.