SEATTLE — It's been nearly a week since a Seattle chef was stabbed to death at a light rail station. Now, Corey Bellett's family is calling for justice for their son, while honoring his life.
"It's a big loss and I'm not sure when I'm ever gonna feel normal again," said Karla Bellett, Corey's mother. "The part I'm going to miss the most is every phone call ended with I love you mom."
The 37-year-old was a chef at Harry's Fine Foods in Capitol Hill. His parents said that career was his calling.
"He was a daddy's boy as a child, but when he learned to cook, he became mama's boy because mom loves to cook," said Dennis Bellett, Corey's father.
Corey is remembered as a goofy and hard working brother and husband. He loved dogs and always owned rescues. He and his wife Bridgette recently adopted two dogs from Houston. The newlyweds tied the knot in December in Bellett's parents' backyard.
Corey's wife is also a chef and the couple were working toward opening a restaurant of their own.
"He just had everything. I had never seen him so happy, "Karla Bellett said.
His life, however, was cut short May 11. Bellett's family said he was leaving work at Harry's Fine Foods and walked to take the light rail home to let his dogs out when he was attacked.
According to prosecutors, Bellett reportedly brushed against his alleged attacker, Shawn Moore. Prosecutors said Moore did not like the way Bellett brushed against him and within seconds Bellett and Moore began to slap and push each other. Moore is accused of pulling out a knife and stabbing Bellett multiple times.
Bellett was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
Hours after Corey died, Harry's Fine Foods closed its doors for two days to grieve his loss.
Bellett's dad said he met with the owners who gave his family an outpouring of support.
"The restaurant community has been a godsend. Me being a nurse, I've seen the worst and the best of humanity, and they are without question, the best of humanity," said Dennis Bellett.
On Thursday, a memorial was held for Bellett with friends and family from across the country coming together to honor is memory.
"Yesterday, was hard, but the amount of people that showed up, he would have been blown away. He would have been, oh my God. I didn't know you know, how many people I impacted," Dennis Bellett said.
Bellett's parents said they now have a long road ahead to heal.
"I'm devastated. I mean, I'm like the duck. It's calm on the surface, but I'm paddling like heck underneath," Dennis Bellett said.
Shawn Moore is charged with second-degree murder with a weapons enhancement and intimidating a witness. He will be arraigned on those charges May 29.
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