CHARLOTTE — Former Greensboro police officer Manuel De Jesus Martinez was killed in a shooting Sunday morning in Charlotte.
Authorities arrested Tyrell Valentine in Union County, South Carolina, in connection with the killing.
Martinez had traveled from the Triad to Charlotte to attend a Charlotte FC soccer game and play in a hockey game over the weekend.
Valentine faces a murder charge and is being extradited to Mecklenburg County, according to authorities.
Luis Dominguez, a longtime friend of Martinez, recalled his reaction upon learning about the death.
The two played soccer together growing up and won a championship when they were 21 years old.
“I just froze. I didn’t want to believe it,” Dominguez said. “If we could just rewind time or something and stop that day.”
Dominguez remembered Martinez, whom he called Manny, as a dedicated person who loved traveling, sports and his family and friends.
“Whether he didn’t see you after a while, he was always checking up on you, where it was a quick message a quick call. Always motivated you to do right, do the things that you want to achieve your dreams. That’s what I really want Manny to be seen as,” Dominguez said.
Reflecting on Martinez’s presence and character, Dominguez said he wants to ensure his friend’s legacy is preserved.
“He was just a light man. He was a light in that room,” Dominguez said.
Dominguez also spoke with Martinez’s family following the shooting. He said they are heartbroken and trying to wrap their heads around the loss.
Valentine will be extradited from Union County, South Carolina, to Mecklenburg County to face the murder charge.
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