Dominican man, 48, fatally shot in Connecticut days after returning for son’s funeral

Nelson Manuel Batista, a 48-year-old Dominican man, was fatally shot on a street in Bridgeport, Connecticut, just days after returning from California to attend the funeral of his only son, a 25-year-old military serviceman.

Batista was found suffering from a gunshot wound beside his vehicle on Cottage Street, near the intersection with Park Avenue, at around 9 a.m. on Monday, October 12, according to the Bridgeport Police Department. He was taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital, where he later died.

His family told News 12 that Batista had a disability and was on his way to pick up medication to control his blood pressure when the incident occurred. Relatives said the shooting followed what they described as a minor argument with another man.

“He didn’t deserve this!” said Wisleidis Cruz, the victim’s sister, as she spoke publicly about the killing.

Cruz urged authorities to continue investigating the case and clarify the circumstances surrounding her brother’s death, saying the family wants justice.

“My brother didn’t deserve to die the way he did, and we just want the police to continue investigating and bring all the details to light so Nelson can get justice,” she said. “He was my older brother, my protector.”

Suspect arrested in connection with killing

Bridgeport police said Jorge Luis Ortiz, 57, was arrested on the night of Sunday, October 19, after officers located him walking on the city’s east side.

Authorities have not provided further details in the information available about the circumstances of the shooting or the charges Ortiz faces.