Family grieves Brownsville man shot and killed by stepdad

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The family of a 26-year-old Brownsville man who was shot and killed by his stepdad in Florida says his loss leaves an empty hole.

Azareel Martinez Jr., better known as A.J., was shot and killed last week in Davenport, Florida, following an argument with his stepdad, Kelly Garcia.

Florida police reported Garcia had fatally shot Martinez several times in the chest and abdomen.

Police said the incident began when Martinez's 9-year-old brother played video games, although he was not allowed to.

Moments later, Martinez's younger brother found a gun, which ended up in the stepdad's hands.

That is when police said Martinez stepped into the room and argued with Garcia.

That is when the stepdad grabbed the gun and shot his stepson.

"He leaves a heart full of love and joy, and a heartache of his loss," said Eddie Guillen, Martinez's godfather.

Martinez's childhood years were spent at his aunt's and godfather's home in Brownsville.

"We were blessed to have him in our lives, for most of his youth, up until middle school," said Guillen. "He was a joy of life, so tender-hearted, so giving."

Angie Aguilar said she became a second mom to Azareel.

She says he was full of life.

"These are the memories that I want to stay with, I don't want to go to what happened to him. It's very tragic. I'm going to keep him in my heart like this forever," Aguilar said.

Martinez's stepdad was charged with second-degree murder and unlawful storage of a firearm.