Beloved comedian mourned outside his West Little River barbershop

After deadly dispute over noise, Juan Martinez honored with loud music

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Overcome with grief, Juan Martinez's loved ones gathered Wednesday night outside Luigi's Clippers Barber Shop in Miami-Dade County's West Little River neighborhood to honor him.

Some shared their memories of the 35-year-old entrepreneur and comedian, who was born in the Dominican Republic. He was the father of a 5-year-old girl. 

"I have had people come up to me saying how he helped them make rent, how he bought their son a pair of shoes to play baseball," Juan Reyes, Martinez's cousin, told Local 10 News. "He has affected so many people."

Martinez was shot and killed Tuesday afternoon when an ongoing altercation with a neighbor escalated into gunfire. The alleged shooter was his neighbor's son, Adrian Dorta Martinez, police said.

No description found

Detectives said Dorta Martinez became enraged after the victim had another fight with his father because of loud music played at the barber shop.

Dorta Martinez, who remains in jail without bond, confronted the victim and then started shooting, chasing the victim until he killed him, police said. 

There were rows of candles and loud music during Martinez's candlelight vigil.

Martinez was popular on Instagram as La Garata Films. He had more than 100,000 followers. Many of them didn't know him personally but said Martinez brought laughter and love to his community and didn't deserve to die that way.

Reyes set up a GoFundMe account asking for the community's help so Martinez could be laid to rest in the Dominican Republic. 


About the Authors
Louis Aguirre headshot

Louis Aguirre is an Emmy-award winning journalist who anchors weekday newscasts and serves as WPLG Local 10’s Environmental Advocate.

Andrea Torres headshot

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.

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