Javier Villegas Cotto, a 44-year-old male, was tragically killed on November 13, 2021, in a shooting that was part of a violent spree in Baltimore, Maryland. Cotto, a local barber, was one of two victims who lost their lives at the hands of the same assailant that day. His death occurred on the 4600 block of Eastern Avenue.
The man identified as the suspect in Cotto's murder was 38-year-old Carlos Ortega.
After fatally shooting Cotto, Ortega proceeded to another barbershop, The Bladi Style, on O'Donnell Street. Inside, he shot and killed another barber, 33-year-old Rafael Jeffers.
The violent rampage came to an end when an off-duty Baltimore police officer, who was getting a haircut at The Bladi Style, intervened. The officer shot and killed Ortega, preventing any further loss of life. Investigators have not publicly released a motive for Ortega's actions.
Javier Francisco Villegas Cotto was a beloved son, a devoted father to two sons, Shajim and Tyrese Villegas, and a loving companion to Yosermi Peralta Mendez. His death was mourned by his family, including his sister Olga Villegas, and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held on November 19 and 20, 2021, with a Mass of Christian Burial at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.
