Nelson Manuel Batista was a man with a joyful spirit who found happiness in the simple comforts of life. Born in the Dominican Republic on December 30, 1977, he was the son of Manuel Anibal Cruz and Maria del Carmen Cruz. Before recently settling in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Nelson lived for many years in the Bronx, New York, and Providence, Rhode Island. The 48-year-old Hispanic man was a homebody at heart, a quiet and easygoing person who treasured time with the people he loved above all else.
His loved ones remember his warmth and the easy happiness he found in a good conversation or watching sports with his children.
An avid fan of the New York Yankees and football, Nelson enjoyed relaxing on the sofa to watch a game, sharing opinions and laughter with his kids. Though he preferred a quiet life, he also loved a good time with family and friends. When music played, he was known for getting on the dance floor and encouraging others to join him. These simple, everyday moments—a shared song, a lingering conversation, the comfort of his presence—are the memories his family will carry with them. His life was deeply intertwined with his family, and he was grieving the recent death of his own son, Pierce A. Batista, at the time of his passing.
On the morning of Monday, October 12, 2026, what was reported as a road rage altercation turned fatal. Around 9 a.m., near the intersection of Cottage Street and Park Avenue in Bridgeport, Nelson was shot. When police officers arrived, they found him lying in the street next to his car, suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest. Emergency responders rushed him to St. Vincent's Medical Center, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. His death was recorded as the eighth homicide in the city of Bridgeport that year.
The Bridgeport Police Department's Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene, closing the intersection for about two hours to process evidence. The investigation was led by Homicide Detective Elizabeth Santora. In the immediate aftermath, local officials pleaded with the public for assistance. "Somebody died, and if you witnessed something... say something," urged Councilman Jorge Cruz, who represents the district where the shooting occurred. "Call the anonymous number of the Bridgeport police department, and work with them to catch this killer."
Following the investigation, police arrested 57-year-old Jorge Luis Ortiz in connection with the fatal shooting. He was charged with murder. Court records indicate that Ortiz was also charged with criminal possession of a firearm. He was held on a $2 million bond, and his case is proceeding through the judicial system.
Nelson leaves to cherish his memory his girlfriend, Riberta Torres; his children and step-children, Shadei Batista, Arianna Batista, Perla Batista, Robert Torres, Ronald Torres, Francisco Gutierrez, and Moises Guitierrez; and his grandchildren, Gianna, Carlos, and Cairo. He is also survived by his siblings, Wisleidis Cruz, Jose Batista, Delma Batista, Yobanny Batista, Edickson Batista, and Chelena Batista, as well as many extended family members and friends who will miss him deeply.
A viewing for family and friends was held on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Funeraria Luz de Paz in Bridgeport. The funeral service took place at the same location the following morning, with burial following at Mountain Grove Easton Cemetery in Easton, Connecticut. Though his life ended far too soon, the joy Nelson shared and the love he gave remain a lasting part of the lives he touched.
The case against Jorge Luis Ortiz is pending in court as of late 2026. Anyone with information about the shooting is still encouraged to contact Homicide Detective Elizabeth Santora at (203) 581-5291.
