Maintenance Worker Shot Dead After Being Mistaken For A Burglar

A maintenance worker in Texas was shot to death while he was inspecting the waterlines for damages caused by freezing temperatures on Christmas Eve.

Cesar Montelongo, 53, was checking if there were any pipe bursts at the Clayton Point Apartments in Grand Prairie city because of the extreme weather. Several pipes in the apartment complex had ruptured, CBSNews reported.

A resident, whose identity was not revealed, spotted Montelongo on his balcony and mistook him for an intruder. Fearing the man was trying to break into his house, the resident quickly grabbed a gun and fired at him. The bullet hit Montelongo and he was rushed to a hospital for treatment. However, he later succumbed to the injuries.

No arrests have been made in connection with the incident. The case will be referred to the Tarrant County grand jury for review.

Montelongo is survived by his wife and five sons. The couple was together for nearly three decades. Christmas day would have been their 29th wedding anniversary, according to a GoFundMe page set up by Montelongo's family to cover his funeral expenses.

"Justice will be served, dad. I promise. I love you," his son Cesar Montelongo Jr. wrote in a Facebook post. In another post, he thanked everyone for the kind words, and contributions to the GoFundMe campaign, which surpassed the amount requested by the family.

Hey, everyone.Firstly, my family and I would like to say thank you for your kind words and for showing us so much support during this time. I know my dad would be grateful we have so many people on...

Many people offered condolences to the bereaved family.

"I am so sorry to hear this! I saw the story on the news and looked you up. Sending prayers for you, your mom and brothers. Your father was one of nicest men I've ever met and such a wonderful person. Love to you all. (Your teacher Former Ms. Parra)" one comment read.

"I just found out about this on the news. I am in utter shock. I am so sorry to hear about this great loss. Cesar was the best Maintenance Tech there. We lived there previously for 7 years and he was one of the main reasons we referred our daughter to live there years ago. Prayers for the family. Caesar was Always so pleasant and fun to talk to. He loved the Lord so hopefully that brings some sort of comfort. It doesn't take away the pain that his family is experiencing but he was a believer. He will be missed," another person wrote.