A National Guard sergeant and married father is being remembered for his smile and dedication to his daughters, his family said Wednesday.
Abraham “Ab” Suarez Santiago died Tuesday when a domestic dispute led a friend’s husband to shoot him, the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office said.
Shortly after midnight, deputies were called to Windsor View Lane near Villa Rica about a report that Rick Joseph Reed and his wife had gotten into a dispute at the home, according to officials.
“Responding deputies arrived on scene and observed numerous people near the roadway and a body on the ground,” spokesperson Maj. Donny Pace said.
Following the dispute, investigators said Santiago, the woman’s friend, arrived at the home.
“Ultimately, the male friend was allegedly shot by Reed near the roadway, where he succumbed to his injuries,” Pace said.
Reed was arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault. He was being held without bond in the Paulding jail.
Santiago joined the National Guard in 2008, according to a Facebook post by the 1160th Transportation Company.
“Sgt. Suarez was an outstanding soldier whom many looked up to, regardless the unit he served in,” the company posted.
A GoFundMe page was also created to assist his family with funeral costs.
“Anyone that knows Ab knows Ab would light up a room and was always smiling,” the fundraiser stated. “Ab was a great father and overall person.”
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact the Paulding sheriff’s office on the tip line at 770-443-3047 or via the mobile app. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
The GBI is assisting with the investigation.