In the early hours of April 20, 2013, the life of 31-year-old Gabriel Felix Gomez was tragically cut short in Roanoke, Virginia. The incident unfolded just after midnight when multiple 911 calls reported the sound of gunshots in the vicinity of the 3600 block of Round Hill Avenue and Oakland Boulevard. Responding Roanoke Police officers discovered Gomez deceased from a gunshot wound outside a residence in the 3800 block of Highwood Avenue.
At the scene, authorities arrested 54-year-old
John Mark Altizer. It was later revealed that Altizer was Gomez's stepfather. Reports from the investigation indicated that Altizer was inside the home when police arrived and admitted to the shooting, even directing officers to the location of the firearm used in the incident.
Following his confession, John Mark Altizer was charged with murder in connection with the death of Gabriel Felix Gomez. He was subsequently held without bond at the Roanoke City Jail. Gomez's body was transported to the State Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy to officially determine the cause of death. The case brought attention to the devastating impact of domestic violence within the community.
