Monica Melissa "Moni" Barrientos, a 29-year-old woman from Amarillo, Texas, tragically died on January 16, 2015. She was found dead in the 500 block of Southeast 13th Avenue in Amarillo, alongside Joe Angel Martinez Jr., who was also deceased. According to police reports, Martinez shot and killed Barrientos before taking his own life. The incident was ruled a murder-suicide.
Moni Barrientos was well-loved in her community and known for her caring and giving nature.
She was involved in the tattoo industry, working alongside Martinez at Aristocrat Tattoo Studio. Friends and family described her as a big-hearted person who always had a smile and made people wonder what she was up to. She was deeply loved by her children and her extended family.
The tragic event left behind three children from her relationship with Martinez, as well as two children from Martinez's previous marriage. The community rallied to support the orphaned children, raising funds and offering emotional support. Friends and family focused on celebrating the lives of Barrientos and Martinez, rather than dwelling on the circumstances of their deaths.
Despite the devastating loss, the family and friends of Monica Barrientos chose to remember her for the positive impact she had on their lives and the lives of those around her. The incident remains a painful memory, but the love and support from the community helped the family navigate through the difficult times.
