A maintenance worker who lived and worked at an apartment complex in Fort Worth was killed Friday as he tried to protect a fellow employee at the complex.
Carlos Aybar, 30, was shot on April 21 at the Marq on West 7th apartments in the 700 block of Arch Adams Street. He suffered multiple gunshots to his upper body and was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Detectives found that the suspect came to the office of the apartment complex due to paperwork left on his door,” Officer Daniel Segura, spokesperson for Fort Worth Police Department, told The Dallas Express.
The paperwork was reportedly an eviction notice, according to Fox4 Dallas. However, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that police call records show the suspect was arguing with the office worker over an animal control violation.
When the suspect, whom police identified as 29-year-old Devin Smith, allegedly became confrontational with the female office employee, she called Aybar for assistance.
“The victim came into the office and was attempting to get the suspect to leave the office when the suspect shot the victim multiple times,” said Segura.
The office worker locked herself in the restroom and called 911 to report the suspect was shooting outside the door. The suspect then fled the scene of the shooting and ran to his apartment, the Star-Telegram reported.
When police arrived, they detained Smith while homicide detectives prepared a warrant for his arrest. He was transported to jail shortly thereafter and is currently being held on a charge of murder, with a bond set at $150,000.
Neighbors in the apartment complex were left to mourn the death of the man who was not just a helpful maintenance man but also their neighbor and friend. A memorial was set up outside the complex where tenants left messages and mementos.
Aybar left behind “a 4-year-old son, a loving mother, and an extended family,” according to a GoFundMe page set up by a relative. Aybar was described as a “hero” who died protecting his coworker.
“Carlos was loved by many and his heart of service and kindness was one in a million,” a family member wrote on the funding website.
In nearby Dallas, murders are on the rise. Homicides have increased 21% year to date compared to the same time frame last year, according to the Dallas Police Daily Crime Brief.
$150,000? Really? That is how much the judge believes the life of a human being is worth? Hey Judge, get your act together. Texas has too many ways to get out of the country easily and the cost is ONLY $15,000, cash up front!