Family, friends, and NYPD officers continued to mourn Alexis Martinez, the NYPD officer who was found fatally shot alongside his father in what police are calling a suspected murder-suicide.
A vigil was held Sunday outside of the 34 Precinct in Washington Heights, where Martinez started his career.
Fellow officers say the Bronx narcotics officer always had a smile on his face and was well-known and respected in his community. Martinez had just celebrated his 26th birthday last month.
The initial investigation shows that Martinez’s father was the one who pulled the trigger in the incident, but police are still working to determine what exactly took place in the apartment before the fatal shootings on Aug. 2. Police believe the father dealt with mental health issues.
NYPD: 2 people, including NYPD officer, found shot dead near Bronx River Parkway
A vigil was held in Soundview Friday outside of the apartment on Fteley Avenue where they were found dead. Nearly 1,000 officers filed the street to honor the life and legacy of Martinez.
Bronx community leaders, NYPD hold vigil for slain officer Alexis Martinez
The late officer was given a dignified transfer on Wednesday, surrounded by his fellow officers – members of the Bronx narcotics unit that Martinez was a part of.
Community mourns loss of NYPD Officer Alexis Martinez
On Sunday, pain filled the street outside the 34th Precinct as family, friends and the NYPD grieved for Martinez. His cousin, Felix Camacho, said the death left him feeling empty.
"When I received the news, I was completely frozen in time, paralyzed, for about a half an hour, because he was just an amazing human being," Camacho recalled .
Martinez was recently promoted to the Bronx narcotics unit. He had aspirations of climbing the ranks in the NYPD and was working toward his detective shield. He was the driver for Inspector Aneudy Castillo at the 34th Precinct.
"To be honest, I wish I had every rookie in that car with me when he spoke about what it means to be a cop," Castillo said.
Martinez’s viewing service is scheduled for Aug. 10 at Ortiz Funeral Home, with the funeral the following day at St. Elizabeth Church on Wadsworth Avenue.
Martinez will be laid to rest in the Dominican Republic.
