Vinessa Lozano was an 18-year-old mother and employee of Pizza Ranch in Montevideo, Minn. When she rejected the romantic advances of Darek Nelson, a fellow employee, he ambushed her outside the restaurant one night last January and stabbed her 30 times. She died later at a local hospital.
According to a story in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Lozano saw Nelson as a loner without many friends. She tried to make him feel important, but Nelson misinterpreted Lozano’s intentions and became obsessed with her, leading to her violent murder.
In order to show support for Lozano’s family and, in particular, her 18-month-old son, many of the Pizza Ranches in the chain are either hosting a tip night or making a direct donation.
Troy Knight, manager of the Newton Pizza Ranch, said his restaurant will be holding a tip night from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight.
“The Pizza Ranch corporate office has agreed to match all the money the stores collect, up to $10,000,” Knight said. “And our employees have agreed to donate their wages during the evening as well.”
Knight added that anyone wishing to donate, but cannot attend during tip night, can donate through any Pizza Ranch through March 31.
John Jennings can be contacted at (641) 792-3121 ext. 425 or via email at jjennings@newtondailynews.com.