Son of Texas maintenance worker, 53, who was shot dead on Christmas Eve says he FORGIVES gunman

The heartbroken son of a maintenance worker shot and killed while checking on pipes at an apartment complex has said their family ‘forgives’ his father’s killer.

Cesar Montelongo, 53, was found injured on a resident's balcony at Clayton Point Apartments on Alouette Drive, Grand Prairie, on Christmas Eve.

He had been shot by a resident who mistakenly thought he was a burglar and was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

Montelongo and his wife Candelaria had planned on celebrating their 29th wedding anniversary on Christmas Day.

Cesar Montelongo (pictured with family) was fatally shot while checking pipes at an apartment complex in Grand Prairie, Texas,  by a resident who allegedly mistook him for a burglar

Cesar Jr, 28, is the oldest of his parent's five sons and says that the family has 'forgiven' his father's killer

Police have not arrested the shooter, who remained unidentified, but say they are cooperating with the investigation.

It is unclear if Montelongo had entered the property with or without the permission of the owners.

Authorities refuse to confirm if it was a tenant of the building or a guest who was there for the festive period.  

His son, Cesar Jr, 28, is the oldest of his parent's five sons and explained that his father worked for the company for 16 years – so he had ‘no need to steal anybody’s stuff’.

Speaking to Fox 4 he said: ‘The morning of the 24th my father and mother went on a breakfast date because they were celebrating early.

‘However my dad didn't make it to the anniversary. He was working on things outside. He was never trying to break into anything.

‘I'm not 100% sure if whoever did it is or was a resident of that complex, and if so for how long and if they weren't, were they just visiting or were they staying with whoever it was for the holidays?

‘He was just a light. He was always humble. He never bragged about anything.

Montelongo and his wife Candelaria had planned on celebrating their 29th wedding anniversary on Christmas Day

Police have not arrested the shooter, who remained unidentified, but say they are cooperating with the investigation 

‘Me being the oldest, I'm doing everything that I can to stay strong and be the strongest one for all of us.

‘We do forgive the person for what they did, and we pray that the Lord forgives the person for what they did.

'However justice is justice and fair is fair, and whatever that looks like it's going to be up to the Lord and the grand jury.’

Montelongo's death has been ruled as a homicide by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner ruled, and police say the case will go to a grand jury.

Homeowners in Texas have the right to protect their property from tresspassing, however it often depends on the circumstances of the incident. 

His son, Cesar Jr, 28, is the oldest of his parent's five sons and explained that his father worked for the company for 16 years – so he had ‘no need to steal anybody’s stuff’

Montelongo's death has been ruled as a homicide by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner ruled, and police say the case will go to a grand jury 

In a GoFundMe set up by his niece, Montelongo is described as a 'loving, hardworking man'

Authorities say that  Montelongo had worked for the building for some time and may have been carrying out emergency works on the pipes - meaning he would not need permission to enter the property. 

It will be up to the grand jury to decide if this tenant will face any charges.

In a GoFundMe page set up by his niece, Montelongo is described as a 'loving, hardworking man – with the fundraiser getting more than $38,000 in donations.

Police said Montelongo was checking on multiple balconies at the complex for frozen or busted waterlines after the pipes had burst from the recent Arctic blast that slammed the country.

A resident spotted Montelongo on his balcony, believed the man was a burglar, and shot him through a window.