A Fort Worth family is mourning the loss of a father and his only child after they were both fatally shot on Saturday morning when an argument broke out in a crowd.
Fermin Ramirez, 41, and his son, Jacob, 22, were on the 2400 block of Ross Avenue in Fort Worth when police said several groups began arguing just before 2 a.m. As the tension escalated, someone pulled out a gun and started shooting, hitting both father and son.
Christine Ramirez, Fermin's sister-in-law, told NBC 5 she'd known him for 30 years and watched him "grow into a wonderful man."
“They always carried a smile. Regardless [of] what kind of day they had," said Ramirez. “He had a big heart. If he had a last dollar, he would give it to you. No matter what," Christine said.
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Christopher Abila, one of Fermin's best friends since kindergarten, was one of hundreds who came out to support the family with a balloon release and a fundraiser for funeral costs.
“I miss his laugh. I miss the way he used to talk," said Abila. “As much as they hurt, I hurt. I cried; they cried. And we’re still trying to pick the pieces up."
Saturday's event was hosted by No More Violence Organization, which helps families in Dallas-Fort Worth who have been impacted by gun violence, suicide, bullying, human trafficking, and other trauma.
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“We don’t want them doing a thing. We just want them to focus on their loved ones, so we can take care of that for them," said Patricia Allen, the group's founder.
She said they not only organized Saturday's event but are also arranging the victims' funerals and offering other long-term support for the family.
Allen said this is the 98th family in DFW they've helped in their 12 years of existence -- and it happens to be the family of one of her volunteers.
"I feel that pain that she’s going through, and it’s a pain that you don’t want anybody to experience," Allen said. "She’s on the other side now. Now it’s her family."
Allen said they pay for everything for victims' families and are always open to monetary donations, supply donations, and volunteers.
The group held a balloon release for Saturday to honor Fermin and Jacob, his only child.
“He was there to watch his son be born and watch him pass away …That right there breaks my heart," Abila said.
The family said they were grateful for everyone who showed up.
“We thank the community for coming out and doing what they do, helping the family," said family members Amy and Frank Fierro.
Fort Worth police said the gunman drove away after the shooting. Investigators have not said whether Ramirez and his son were targeted or if they were bystanders. They have also not identified any suspects or announced any arrests. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Fort Worth Police Department.
