Justin Thompson-Jamar got to visit five of the seven Wonders of the World before his life came to a tragic end early Monday morning.
Today, a memorial shrine featuring travel photos, candles and dozens of White Claw seltzer cans stands just feet from where the 29 year-old travel enthusiast was mowed down by his lifelong best friend outside Busby’s bar on Santa Monica Boulevard.
Nicholas Ralph Sloan, 29, of Culver City has been charged with murder, assault with a deadly weapon (his car) and driving under the influence.
He is being held on $2 million bail.
“Justin was just a light,” his mother Nichelle tells The Sun. “He was the best person ever. All of these people keep telling me, ‘He was my best friend.’
“He brought light and joy to every situation everywhere. People gravitated to him because his personality drew them in.”
Friends and family say Thompson-Jamar — an avid Dodgers fan and longtime server at Holy Cow BBQ in Culver City — “worked to travel.”
He hoped to someday visit the Colosseum in Rome and the statue of Christ in Rio.
“He has seen things that very few people get to see things that very few people get to see in their lifetime,” Holy Cow manager Salvador Sanchez tells The Sun.
“I am just glad that he got to experience that in his short life.”
“The Holy Cow family…we are all upset,” Sanchez added.
“He is definitely going to be missed in every aspect of his life. He was a shining star here. He was someone who always brought a smile and a great attitude to work. It is extremely tragic what happened.”
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Thompson-Jamar had been enjoying an evening out at Busbys when Sloan was asked to leave the establishment just after 1:00 am.
Per Santa Monica Police Department:
Sloan, angered by this demand, exited the establishment, and retrieved his vehicle. Based on the witness statements and evidence collected, Investigators believe Sloan intentionally attempted to hit a patron near the front of Busby’s, but instead struck the victim, an individual known to him.
According to witnesses, Sloan’s vehicle, a dark colored Porsche Panamera, was last seen traveling eastbound on Santa Monica Blvd. It was later stopped by a California Highway Patrol officer for speeding near Ventura Blvd. and Corbin Ave. Sloane was originally booked for DUI at the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station and his vehicle was impounded. He was later taken into custody.
“We are trying to figure out what happened,” his mother says.
“(Sloan was) his best friend since first grade. It makes the story more horrific and baffling. Justin is the peacemaker. Always. He walked his friend out to his car because he was causing trouble inside. It is baffling because of their long history. I am confused.
“I would like to hear from him. I would like to hear what happened. I wish he would talk to me. I would just like to hear answers and have him tell me what happened.”
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