Carlos Alexis Ruiz Cruz was 29 when he was killed in a shooting on August 13, 2016, at the Marq on West 7th apartments on Arch Adams Lane in Fort Worth, Texas. Fort Worth police arrived after a call about 5:40 p.m. and found Ruiz Cruz dead from gunshot wounds following an argument that escalated into violence.

According to reports, the dispute involved another resident and began over an animal control issue. Ruiz Cruz, who worked as a maintenance worker at the complex and was described by neighbors as friendly and well-loved, was shot while trying to intervene and deescalate the situation and protect a woman who worked there. Devin Deron Smith was arrested and charged with murder; officers detained him after he fled to his apartment, and he was being held at the Tarrant County Corrections Center on a $150,000 bond. Neighbors and tenants have placed a memorial outside the complex thanking Ruiz Cruz for his bravery.

If anyone witnessed the shooting or knew Carlos and his movements that day, please share information that could help clarify what happened.