Family Of Anthony, NM Murder Victim Opens Up To ABC-7

The family of a man killed in his Anthony, New Mexico home just after midnight Sunday said the victim was a doting dad with a big heart.

“My brother was a wonderful person,” said Rose of 30-year-old victim Marcos Tucker.

The family gathered to watch a 2004 Christmas Eve video in an attempt to remember Tucker, who they described as a funny and generous person.

“He was all about his kids,” said Tucker’s aunt. Tucker had two daughters: Amorosa and Mariposa, both less than five years old.

Police say Tucker was stabbed to death with a knife by his roommate, 29-year-old Manuel “Manny” Ortega. Ortega is charged with an open count of murder and tampering with evidence, according to Sheriff’s Investigators.

Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office said this is the first homicide of 2012. It happened in the 2000 block of Acosta in Anthony, New Mexico.

According to a press release from the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Department, Marcus Tucker got into an argument with another man before being stabbed.

Tucker’s family said Tucker and Ortega were more than roommates. Ortega dated Tucker’s sister and has a daughter with her.