The family of a Paterson soldier allegedly killed by a comrade in Iraq has decided to bury him in New Jersey, rather than his native Peru.

Family members, friends and neighbors of Sgt. Christian Bueno-Galdos gathered Sunday at a fundraiser originally designed to bring in money to send Bueno-Galdos' remains back to Peru. His father, Carlos Bueno, says the family decided they wanted to have his grave closer to them.

Bueno-Galdos moved to Paterson with his family when he was 7 years old. He obtained U.S. citizenship while serving in Iraq. His funeral is expected to be held at the Dover Military Base later this week.

As a final show of support and gratitude toward Bueno-Galdos and his service, the city of Paterson will be installing a permanent plaque to honor him as a war hero at the Hayden Heights Veterans War Memorial.