Manuel Martinez traveled to Charlotte over Labor Day weekend expecting nothing more than a good match and a fun night out with close friends.
The 33-year-old former Greensboro police officer drove into town to watch Charlotte FC play soccer and meet up with people he had known for years.
After the match ended, Martinez and his group headed into Uptown Charlotte, stopping by local bars and clubs to grab drinks and catch up.
As the night stretched into the early morning hours, a dispute broke out near a nightlife spot and quickly shifted onto West Trade Street.
Shots were fired in the 700 block of West Trade Street just before 4:00 a.m., striking Martinez multiple times in the middle of the street.
Paramedics arrived within minutes, but the injuries were too severe and Martinez was pronounced dead right there at the scene.
Friends back home remembered Martinez as a dedicated sports fan and loyal friend who always checked in on people and pushed them to succeed.
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