Father of Holyoke murder victim speaks out on gun violence, son’s memory

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - As a murder investigation continues to unfold in Holyoke, we’re learning more about the victim.

38-year-old Dexter Ortiz was tragically shot and killed outside of his home on West Street earlier this month, and Ortiz’ father spoke with us during this tough time.

Leonardo Ortiz told me dexter was his youngest son he describes him as humble happy and kind, adding that the violent nature of his death has shocked everyone who knew him.

Ortiz said his son was outside of his home at 63 West Street, waiting for a pizza delivery when a bullet took his life.

“He was one of the best sons ever, a good father, a good friend with everybody he used to help people with whatever they needed. He was a kind person,” Leonardo Ortiz told us.

His son Dexter died on July 9th after being shot outside of his home on West Street, and two others also suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Dexter’s father told us his 38-year-old son leaves behind six children, four of his own as well as two stepchildren, all ranging from seven to 16 years old. Ortiz shared the pain his family felt when they first heard that Dexter had been killed.

“Everybody went crazy, yeah, the little kids my wife she still wakes up crying so she’s taking it hard. That was the baby of the household,” he said.

Ortiz told us he and Dexter had an inseparable bond. He shared some of the memories he has with his youngest son before he was taken too soon.

“We used to go bicycling, we used to sing together, we used to go out to the movies, go out to eat pizza, he loved pizza, and we used to have a good time always together.”

It turns out, Dexter died while waiting for something he loved.

“He was waiting for a pizza delivery, so his friend came over. Somebody came and shot him in the back and that’s how he died, and the other person is at the hospital. One of his friends got a bullet through his hand.”

Now, as he tries to make sense out of this senseless act of violence, Dexter’s father is asking the community to put the guns down in hopes no one else’s child will die before dinner.

“I just wish this gun stuff would stop the shooting all over Holyoke. I hope that will stop.”

Meanwhile, this week, 19-year-old Luis Rodriquez was arraigned on murder charges in connection with the death of Dexter Ortiz.

He is being held without bail after pleading not guilty.