Best friend of Holyoke murder victim speaks out

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - On Friday morning, the Hampden District Attorney’s Office released the identity of the man suspected of killing 38-year-old Dexter Ortiz on July 9th.

This afternoon, Western Mass News spoke exclusively with those close to the victim, a father of five.

“He was a great father. He had five kids. He was a great son, always on top of his parents making sure they were good. He was the best that anyone could ask for. He was just like so humble. If you did know him, you’d get along with him not matter what,” Ortiz’ best friend, Robert Rivera told us.

On July 9th, Dexter Ortiz was caught in the crosshairs while on the 50 Block of West Street in Holyoke.

Now his family and friends must continue on without him.

“He was an amazing person and it’s going to be very tough to live with this one.”

Holyoke Mayor Josh Garcia said g in a statement:

“A man has been murdered. Young children have lost their father. Gun violence has shaken our citizens’ sense of security. The tragedy extends even to the perpetrators of this senseless act, who threw away their own futures with one mindless act of violence.”

While the Ortiz family works to heal the Hampden County D.A.’S office working swiftly to bring the alleged killer to justice.

On July 10th, one day after Ortiz’s life was taken, the Holyoke Police Department arrested Luis Rodriguez, on motor vehicle and narcotics-related charges.

At just 19 years old, he has since also been charged with the murder of Ortiz, the longtime childhood friend of Rivera.

“I’m still in shock. He meant a lot to me, more than like your own blood brother, he was the only one I could go to for anything.”

Now, they’re showing up for him.

This Sunday, those that loved him most are gathering at 63 West Street starting at 2 p.m. for a fundraiser to support his family.

“We’re just trying to come together to bring everyone together on it, for anyone and everyone who knew him,” Rivera said. “He was my best friend. He was everything to me.”

The Hampden D.A.’s office told us that Rodriguez is expected to be arraigned sometime early next week.