A Worcester man who was shot and killed during an argument in an apartment complex in the city last month is being remembered for his devotion to family.
Jason Mayhew, 36, was killed by 26-year-old Enrique Antonio Canales-Martinez at their Southgate Street apartment building the evening of June 21, authorities said previously. Canales-Martinez pleaded not guilty to charges including armed assault with intent to murder in connection with Mayhew’s death during his arraignment in Worcester District Court.
Officers responded to the shooting at the apartment complex around 7:40 p.m. and found Mayhew lying on the sidewalk, Worcester police said previously. He was taken to a hospital and declared dead, and Canales-Martinez — who admitted to shooting Mayhew and cooperated with police — was arrested a short time later.
Jason L. Mayhew was born in Framingham on July 20, 1988, to Richard and Betsy Mayhew, according to his obituary. A former Wrentham resident, he was a graduate of King Philip High School.
Mayhew was a skilled heavy equipment operator who worked for several companies throughout his career, according to his obituary. He had a passion for trucks and machinery and took great pride in his work.
Mayhew also had “an adventurous spirit,” and “found joy in all outdoor activities,” according to his obituary. He and his fiancé, Ashley Durling, had just purchased a camper that they were working on restoring with the help of her sons when he died.
“Whether he was skydiving, scuba diving or simply fishing, he enjoyed the freedom and thrill that nature had to offer. He found great joy sharing his love of fishing with his two sons and his future stepsons,” his obituary reads.
Mayhew also enjoyed playing soccer with his two sons, Declan and Sawyer, according to his obituary. A lover of life in general, his interests were endless, but among them were big trucks, Jeeps, motorcycles, karaoke, Prudent Island zucchini muffins, outer space, puzzles, unicorns, the paranormal, true crime podcasts and animals — especially dogs.
“Jason was the most patient, compassionate, kind, accepting, adventure loving person there ever was. He was the best dad to his boys, and they knew he loved them endlessly,” his obituary reads. “All Jay ever wanted to do in life was be with Declan and Sawyer. There is no doubt that that is where he is spending all of his time now, watching over his two babies.”
Mayhew leaves behind his sons, fiancee, parents, sister, stepbrother, maternal and paternal grandparents and many other beloved relatives and friends, according to his obituary. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to support his sons and fiancee via Venmo @InLovingMemoryofJay or that a check made out to the “Mayhew Boys” and sent to Dean Bank on Main Street in Franklin.
A celebration of Mayhew’s life is planned for Sunday, Sept. 21, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Novatos Bar and Grill in Norfolk, according to his obituary. Guests are encouraged to wear pink — his favorite color — to honor him.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
