'There's a missing piece': Family of St. Bonaventure grad killed in DC shares grief

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) -- Janet Realbuto speaks with News 8 about the tragic loss of her son Ryan Realbuto, a 23-year-old Pittsford native and St. Bonaventure grad who was fatally shot on Thursday last week in Washington D.C.

Ryan's mother is understandably distraught and overwhelmed by the arrangements she and her family need to make before burying their beloved son and brother.  

Janet told News 8 in Rochester he was thriving before the shooting on Jan. 18. While in D.C., Realbuto was serving with the Capuchin Franciscan Volunteer Corps. He is described as always being kind and volunteering when he could. His mother says he would have given anything to those in need -- even the robbers who ended up killing him.

"He would have found a way to get that guy money if that's what he wanted," Janet Realbuto said. "The shirt off his back. That's who Ryan was."

Ryan was religious with a strong sense of faith which is why she's upset that his cross was lost between the shooting and getting him to the hospital.

She says that this loss has forever changed her and her family.

"We were so balanced before, the five of us. There's a missing link, there's a missing piece," says Ryan's mother.

The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.