HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — Adalberto Ortiz-Nieves was shot and killed last week in Houston County. His son, Malachi Ortiz, said his father was known as a wild child and the life of the party.
He was also known as 'Tani' and 'Red' to friends and family.
"He put his heart and soul into doing the stuff that he loved," Malachi said.
Malachi remembers the joy that lived in his father.
"He would want people to party. He would want people to enjoy his life. I mean, yes still feel sad, but enjoy his life, celebrate his life," Malachi said.
Malachi said his mother and father split nearly 15 years ago, but he remained closed to his father even though he lives in Massachusetts.
"Anytime I would do anything important over here, when it comes to like me getting a promotion, when it comes to me you know buying my first car and things like that, he was the first person I told," Malachi said.
Malachi remembers going to Smiley's Flea Market with his father to sell chickens. He said regulars at Smiley's would call his dad 'Red' because of his skin and hair.
"You're talking about the guy that just really lightened everyone's day. You know, the chicken guy, the animal guy, you know — whatever people wanted to call him he was there. He was the party guy," Malachi said.
When Malachi's mother told him that his father died, he said he was silent most of the day.
"The only thing I can remember from that morning really is just repeating I know dad's not dead; I know dad's not dead," Malachi said.
The Houston County Sheriff's Office believe Adalberto was killed after he was shot by Alexzander Capella-Ortiz during an argument.
He was Adalberto's stepson who Malachi said he grew up with. He calls the incident unforgivable.
"There was also good times, there were bad times, but at least for me for the way I view things for the way I view the world, all that goes down the drain," Malachi said.
Malachi said the best way to honor his father is to remember the man he was and continue on.
"You know whatever I do, just know that he's there watching me, he's there pushing me, he's there hoping for my success as well," Malachi said.
Adalberto's funeral is scheduled for Tuesday morning in Perry. The Ortiz family is asking for support from the community to help cover the ceremony expenses through a GoFundMe.
Malachi said he and some of the family will miss the ceremony because the funeral home can no longer hold his father's body.
He said the proceeds will go straight to his stepmom since she lost her husband and son in one night.
Cpt. Ronald Brainard with the sheriff's office said Capella-Ortiz is facing a murder charge. The earliest he could get bond is Thursday.
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