Family of Deceased Maintenance Worker Files Lawsuit Against Apartment Complex

The family of Cesar Montelongo Sr., who was killed after being mistaken for a burglar while performing maintenance work at Clayton Pointe Apartments in Grand Prairie, is suing the apartment complex and the shooter. The suit alleges that the complex's parent company, The ValCap Group, LLC, failed to inform residents about the maintenance checks and did not supply Montelongo with identifiable clothing that would identify him as an employee or security personnel with the property.

The family is seeking $1 million in damages. Montelongo was shot by a resident who believed he was a burglar while checking for burst pipes on Christmas Eve. Grand Prairie police found Montelongo suffering from a single gunshot wound on a resident's balcony. The resident, who has not been publicly named or charged, cooperated with police.

Montelongo Jr. expressed his desire for justice for his father, who he described as hardworking and dependable, but stated he could forgive the shooter. He expressed gratitude for the support received in a Facebook post.