November 10, 2025 | By: Nicholas Brennan, PCC Intern

“I just want to live life to the fullest, no matter if I never marry or have kids, I want to know I did everything I could.” These words were some of the last that Jose Melendez Jr. spoke to his sister, Mara. Jose was a bright spot in a world that can be filled with sadness. You would struggle to find a time when he did not have a smile on his face. Jose was born on July 29, 1986, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He has two siblings: his biological sister, Mara, and a stepbrother named Andres.

Jose’s family moved frequently due to military service as well as to visit family living in Panama. His family remembers how much he enjoyed these trips to his grandmother’s house in Panama. His sister has many stories of the two running about, playing Power Rangers, and playing baseball with the neighborhood children. Jose and Mara were always very close and enjoyed spending time together as they grew up.

Growing up, Jose was always artistically inclined and loved to draw. He won an art contest in high school, earning a $50 award. His mother recalls how excited he was and how he proceeded to act as if he were rich with his cash winnings. Jose was a quiet child and always did well in school. After graduating from high school, Jose attended Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina, as a graphic design student. Although he was no longer at home, he stayed close with his family, especially his sister, with the two attending church together every Sunday.

After graduating from Campbell University in 2008, Jose spent some years working in Fayetteville. In 2013, he surprised his family by telling them he had enlisted in the United States Army. He attended Army basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After graduation from basic training, Jose pursued joining the Army Airborne. Jose went on to graduate from Army airborne training, also known as “Jump School”, in Fort Benning, Georgia. Jose was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, one of the most historic divisions in the United States Army.

During Jose’s military career, he was deployed for nine months as part of Operation Inherent Resolve against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. While deployed, Jose’s family was naturally worried, and the day he returned from his deployment, they were overcome with a wave of relief. After his service with the 82nd Airborne Division, Jose transitioned into working as a nodal network systems operator for the 528th Sustainment Brigade at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Jose was happy to be stationed so close to home, as it allowed him time with his family. During his time at Fort Bragg, Jose and his sister Mara would frequently go out in town, going shopping, going to the movies, hanging out at their parents’ house, or hanging out in local bars. Jose’s favorite bar was The Black Flower in Raleigh. He enjoyed it as the bar had theme nights, where you would dress according to the theme. He also enjoyed it because of the EDM music they played, which was his favorite.

On November 28, 2017, Jose was on leave and made a trip up to Raleigh to enjoy the night with some friends. Jose and his friends went out to his favorite bar, the Black Flower, which was having a Nightmare Before Christmas theme to prepare everyone for the Christmas holiday. Jose was the designated driver for the night, and after the group left, he drove his friends home. Jose dropped his friends off at a townhome on Raven Road in Raleigh. Around 3:20 A.M. on November 29, 2017, while walking back to his car, Jose was fatally shot. He was only 31 years old.

Jose was a decorated soldier earning many awards such as the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, and the Marksmanship Qualification Badge. Jose was not just a decorated American Hero, but also a son, brother, and friend. His passing affected not just those close to him but also the families of all military members.

Jose’s funeral ceremony was held in the church his family frequented his whole life, with the priest the family had always gone to leading the service. The family remembers that not a single seat was left unfilled. There were so many people at Jose’s service that there were people standing along the walls. Jose was buried at the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery with military honors. His family still gets emotional remembering the Three-Volley Salute, a ceremonial firing of three rounds of blank cartridges into the air at military funerals, as well as hearing Amazing Grace on the bagpipes.

Jose’s family celebrates his life every year on his Angelversary by visiting his gravesite, releasing balloons, and going to his favorite restaurant, Red Lobster. His mother and sister continue to advocate not just for Jose, but also for all service members lost through their work with T.A.P.S., which is a non-profit organization that provides care and resources to those grieving the loss of a military member or veteran.

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Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Raleigh Police Department at (919) 996-3335. To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward, call Raleigh Crime Stoppers at (918) 996-1193.

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