Durham, North Carolina- A family in Durham is grieving the loss of their loved one, Ricardo Baez, who was tragically shot and killed in a suspected case of road rage while driving on I-40. The 35-year-old leaves behind three brothers and two young children, a 12-year-old son, and an 8-year-old daughter.
In an emotional interview with ABC11, Ricardo’s oldest brother, Ramon Baez, described the heart-wrenching moment when they received the devastating news. The Baez family is still trying to cope with the pain and sadness that has consumed them since Ricardo’s untimely death.
Ramon fondly remembers his brother as a fun-loving and caring father who enjoyed singing and laughter. As the family struggles to come to terms with their loss, Ramon expressed concerns about how Ricardo’s two young children will navigate their first Christmas without their father.
Another brother, Alfredo, reflected on Ricardo’s vibrant personality, describing him as “the life of the party.” Watching videos of Ricardo singing during a New Year’s celebration only added to their grief and sense of loss.
The shooting incident was captured on video by another driver, providing crucial evidence for law enforcement in identifying the alleged shooter, 32-year-old Josue Alejandro Quintanilla-Reyes. The family expressed gratitude towards the eyewitness for recording the incident, emphasizing the importance of the footage in the investigation.
Ricardo’s son, Ricardo Junior, shared his thoughts on his father, calling him a “nice man” who meant everything to him. The impact of Ricardo’s sudden death has prompted the family to reflect on the value of life and the consequences of senseless violence.
Quintanilla-Reyes is currently in custody, facing murder charges for the incident in Wake County. The Baez family has set up an online fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses as they navigate this challenging time and honor Ricardo’s memory by keeping his spirit alive.