On the morning of July 20, 2024, a gathering in a Lowell parking lot at the Swaminarayan Temple on Middlesex Street ended in gunfire that killed 43-year-old Tatu Jose Ortiz. People at the event were reportedly drinking and setting off fireworks when an altercation broke out. Friends and family say Ortiz, a father and a beloved family member, was trying to de-escalate the fight when he was struck and later died at a hospital.

Two other people — a 34-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman — suffered non-fatal injuries in the shooting. Authorities arrested 38-year-old Paul Garcia of Dover, New Hampshire, in connection with the incident; he was taken into custody at a residence in Lawrence and charged with murder and several firearm-related counts. At arraignment the judge ordered Garcia held without bail and further court proceedings are scheduled.

If anyone was at the gathering or has information about what led to the altercation and shooting, please share tips with Lowell authorities.