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Family of good Samaritan killed in Mesa speaks

Posted at 9:52 PM, Jun 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-02 01:36:27-04

The family of a good Samaritan who was killed during a domestic dispute between a husband and wife say he is the kind of man who would help someone in need and that they are praying for the victims and the suspect.

On Tuesday morning, police said Christopher Wright crashed his vehicle in East Mesa to kill his wife. Tomas Olivas Ornelas, who was on his way to work, stopped when he saw a woman in distress.

Police said Wright shot and killed Ornelas and then his wife.

On Wednesday night, family and friends packed a home, lit candles and prayed for Ornelas.

“He was a good man,” said Ornelas’ brother-in-law Arturo Olivas. “He was very helpful. I'm sure that's why he stopped to help. Otherwise, he wouldn't have stopped.”

The family said they are trying to find peace and forgiveness.

“May God forgive him for what he did,” Olivas said. “Because God is the only one who can.”

Ornelas was a father, husband and cancer survivor.

“He was a good brother,” Olivas said. “He had battled a lot in his life and battled to cure himself. And this crazy person came and took his life.”

Wright is due back in court next week.