Funeral Services Set for Autumn Ridge Shooting Victim

Family and friends will say goodbye to Lamar Ortiz, 20, during funeral services Saturday in Atco.

Ortiz was the victim of a fatal shooting at Autumn Ridge Apartments in Blackwood on Monday. He was shot several times and pronounced dead an hour later; an 18-year-old was injured by bullet grazing in the shooting.

Police are hunting for the shooter. They shut down sections of the Little Gloucester Road apartment complex in the hours after the shooting to interview possible witnesses.

Family, friends and old teachers of Ortiz posted their shock and grief after he was gunned down. Many spoke of a driven young man who knew how to have fun, but also took his responsibilities seriously.

“I do not have a single memory of not laughing or not feeling encouraged while being with Lamar,” friend Maggie Harold said. “He was a friend and brother to all. He always smiled and loved without needing a reason.”

Funeral services for Ortiz—who was in the Army and had recently served in Afghanistan—are on Saturday in Atco. There will be a viewing and service open to family and friends, with private interment to follow.

Ortiz’s loved ones set up the Lamar Ortiz Memorial Scholarship fund in his memory, and the family asked that donations be made to the fund in lieu of flowers. Ortiz was a 2011 graduate of Hammonton High School.

Lamar Ortiz’s obituary, from legacy.com:

Lamar M. Ortiz, 20, of Atco, passed away on July 15, 2013. Beloved son of Victor (Andrea) Ortiz and Erin (Kelly Jackson) Wingenroth; Dear brother of Samantha, Calvin and Janice Ortiz; Also survived by his loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Lamar served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Afghanistan.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the viewing; Saturday, July 20, 2013 from 9 a.m. to noon at the LeRoy P. Wooster Funeral Home & Crematory, 441 White Horse Pike in Atco, where a funeral service will be held at noon. Interment to be held privately.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the Lamar Ortiz Memorial Scholarship, 566 Old Forks Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.

For more information or to email a condolence, please visit www.lpwoosterfuneralhome.com.