By Kevin Deutsch
Police are asking for the public’s help identifying the killer who gunned down a beloved Margate chef last year.
Justin Liddell, 33, described by friends and family as the ultimate “protector,” was fatally shot while taking out the trash outside his workplace, Bella Roma restaurant, 4301 Coconut Creek Pkwy. in Coconut Creek, on Nov. 13, according to Coconut Creek Police.
Liddell, who attended Piper High School and graduated from culinary school, loved cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends, his loved ones said.
“It’s not fair, it’s not right,” his sister, Jessica Liddell, said in a video released by the police department to generate leads. “I’m just trying to move through life as normally as possible, but it’s really hard because my brother isn’t here.”
Stephanie Madison, Liddell’s girlfriend, said he was passionate about his career as a chef.
“When he was at a restaurant, and he conquered that kitchen, he’d want to move to a different one to keep on learning,” said Madison.
At Bella Roma, he had found a home, she said.
Justin Liddell [Coconut Creek Police]
In his personal life, Liddell was a loving man who raised Madison’s 10-year-old daughter as his own.
“He had to be something extra special for that, and he was,” said Madison. “He raised her as his own…watching that was incredible.”
Both women urged anyone with information about the unsolved killing to call Coconut Creek Police anonymously at 954-973-6700.
Police also released a photo of a dark sedan they believe Liddell’s killer may have been driving.
“I know somebody knows something,” said Jessica Liddell. “This is my brother. It could have been your brother.”
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