Vigil held in Washington Heights for Alexis Martinez, NYPD officer killed in apparent murder-suicide
NEW YORK -- People were coming together in Washington Heights on Sunday night to remember an NYPD officer who lost his life last week.
Alexis Martinez was just 26 year old when he was killed in an apparent murder-suicide.
Fellow officers, family and friends were at the 34th Precinct, where he started his career.
Martinez was a Bronx narcotics officer, with five years on the job. Last Wednesday, in the Soundview section of the borough, police say his father shot and killed Martinez, before killing himself.
Martinez is remembered as a dedicated officer, who loved helping others.
"Officer Martinez was someone when he went into a room, and smiled, he lit up the room. Everyone remembers him as a amazing young person who loves people and likes to mentor young people," said Alejandro Zayas, of the New York State Chaplain Task Force. "A person that cared about the community, that wanted to make a difference. He was ambitious. He wanted to be a sergeant, a detective. That was his goal. That was his dream."
"My cousin was a hard worker. He was a humble kid," family member Felix Camacho said.
Martinez's commanding officer, Aneudy Castillo, struggled to find the words.
"The last thing that struck me is just how likeable he was," Castillo said. "His charisma ... he's one of those people you meet and you are immediately drawn to."
As they released balloons, it was a bittersweet celebration. His family members, especially his mother, were torn.
"It's really going to take her a long time because she really loved her son and he really loved his mom," Camacho said.
For a man who left this Earth so tragically, he will always be known for the light he left behind.
"He left every room better than he found it," Camacho said.
Martinez loved baseball and wanted to buy a house, but most of all he loved protecting and serving the people of New York.
Police continue to investigate what led up to the shooting.
