A vigil was held in Bridgeport Saturday for a beloved business owner who was shot to death in Stratford.

Anthony Martinez, 37, has previously appeared on News 12 Connecticut to discuss his unisex salon, Hot Spot Unisex Salon, that he co-owned with his wife, Marie Vargas. The shop, which opened three years ago, is known for giving people a chance to rebuild their lives through employment. 

Friends and family came together on Noble Avenue to mourn Martinez, who was known as "Big A" to his friends.  

Police say they learned of a gunshot victim at the hospital Wednesday night and later identified the man as Martinez, who had been shot in Stratford.

Vargas says he was giving a relative a ride and somehow ended up in the shooting.

Friends and family say he was "a big guy" with an equally big heart. Longtime friend Robert Marhoffer says fond recollections about one of his favorite people simply brings the pain rushing right back.

Police are asking for the public's help to solve the fatal shooting.