EXCLUSIVE: 'He didn't deserve this.' Family demands justice for slain Bridgeport man as video appears to show fatal encounter
Relatives of 48-year-old Nelson Manuel Batista say he was shot and killed Monday morning after what they describe as a small argument with another man.
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The family of a Bridgeport man killed in a shooting earlier this week is speaking publicly for the first time, sharing details about the tragedy and their call for justice.
Relatives of 48-year-old Nelson Manuel Batista say he was shot and killed Monday morning after what they describe as a small argument with another man.
Batista's sister, Wisleidis Cruz, told News 12 exclusively that her brother was disabled and was on his way to pick up blood pressure medication when the confrontation turned deadly.
"He didn't deserve this!" Cruz said.
The family shared photos of Batista and described the past 48 hours as some of the most difficult of their lives. Cruz said her brother had just returned from California to attend the funeral of his son, 25-year-old Senior U.S. Airman Pierce Anthony Batista.
"My brother did not deserve to die the way he died and we just want police to continue investigating and bringing all the details to light so that Nelson will have justice," Cruz said. "That was my older brother, my protector."
Cruz thanked Bridgeport police for their efforts to gather evidence in the case as the investigation continues.
The family is now making funeral arrangements while awaiting answers in the shooting.
Police are declining to comment on a video circulating on social media -- which Cruz described as being "tragic but genuine" -- showing a man struggling with Batista over a handgun.
The weapon at that point can be heard firing.
The video then shows the man running away, leaving Batista -- who was apparently gravely wounded -- on the ground.
Police are asking anybody who can help with the investigation to call (203) 576-TIPS.
