Gerardo Cruz Cortez, 36, was shot and killed in a Brookhaven apartment during the early hours of Sunday, August 17, 2025. The shooting happened at the Carmel Creek apartment complex on Buford Highway during a family gathering at his sister’s apartment. Cortez was found on the floor with several gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene; his niece and nephews were reportedly present and witnessed the incident.

A man identified as 31-year-old Jose Carlos Meza Ignacio, described by some as a family friend, had been drinking with Cortez and got into a dispute over a firearm. Ignacio allegedly shot Cortez multiple times. Police later located and arrested Ignacio the next day in nearby Chamblee; he led investigators to a wooded area where he reportedly disposed of the suspected weapon.

Ignacio faces charges including murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, criminal damage to property, and first- and third-degree cruelty to children because minors were present. The investigation is ongoing. If anyone attended that gathering or has information about what happened, please come forward.