Heart of Gold: Family and community remember Fort Worth coach shot at home

Members of the Fort Worth community are mourning after a longtime boxing trainer was shot dead, family members and police confirm.

The shooting happened on Monday in the 3300 block of Ray Simon Drive. Several family members on Tuesday identified the male victim as Joe Guzman.

According to Fort Worth police, the underage suspect shot Guzmán several times after the altercation escalated into a fight.

“Listening to some of our officers and some of our retired officers who are affiliated with our police sports league, the victim was very vocal,” Fort Worth officer Buddy Calzada said. “He was a coach, very useful not only for young people, but also for teenagers and officers.”

NBC 5 featured one of Guzman’s junior athletes in 2018.. His sister Dominga shared photos with NBC 5 on Tuesday showing her brother in various matches and practices over the years.

Guzmán’s nephew Junior Chavez shared the following statement with NBC 5.

“He influenced many lives through boxing, teaching young people to be self-confident, resilient and disciplined. Fight for what you want in life, preparing them mentally and physically for whatever obstacles they face,” Chavez wrote.

Misha Perez lives next door and said her family knew Guzmán well. Pérez described him as a funny person and “the neighbor you wanted”.

“Just the kind of person who really shed light wherever he went. Just an amazing guy. Without him, the world will become darker,” she said. “He just has a heart of gold. He was always ready to help.”

Fort Worth police have not released the suspect’s age or specific relationship to the victim. According to Calzada, the shooting was reported to police by “a person nearby or at the scene.”

“As to who might have been in the house or what witnesses we might have, that should be worked on by our homicide detectives,” Calzada said.

Police said the juvenile suspect has been arrested. He is in custody in a juvenile detention facility.