BRONX — The Air Force veteran gunned down in The Bronx early Saturday will not be buried in Virginia's Arlington National Cemetery as the family had initially hoped.
Instead, a wake will be held for Fabian Gonzalez, 21, at the Ortiz Funeral Home in Castle Hill from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 2 and 3. Gonzalez’ body will then be transported to Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Va., for burial, relatives told DNAinfo New York.
Gonzalez, of Kissimmee, Fla., was in town for his cousin’s baptism over the weekend. At about 2:30 a.m. Saturday, a gunman shot him in the stomach, police said. He was rushed to Bronx Lebanon Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
It’s unclear what sparked the gunfire.
Gonzalez's family said they contacted Arlington National Cemetery to request his burial there, but were told he wasn't eligible.
A spokeswoman for the cemetery did not have records available showing the family's request, but acknowledged it could have been turned down.
“He was one of the most sociable people you’ll ever meet,” Gonzalez’ step-father, James Sanchez, 41, said Monday.
"Everyone got along with him. He was very entertaining. He’d light up the room.”
Cops have arrested 18-year-old Jordan Agosto in connection with the shooting, police said. Agosto, who faces second-degree murder charges among several others, was ordered held without bail at his arraignment Sunday.
He is set to appear in court again on Friday.
