Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — 41-year-old Michael Garcia is described as a man who was bigger than life. Moving from Texas to New Orleans a few years ago, he fell in love with the city.

“He loved a large, brimmed hat. He loved the funky clothes. He had the best costumes for every holiday, and he didn’t even need a holiday to wear his funky costumes. He was just an amazing, charismatic, kind individual,” said Garcia’s friend, Meredith Hammock.

New Orleans police search for man missing from Central Business District

Garcia was a well-known server at the St. Charles Avenue Brewery “Care Forgot Beercraft.”

In honor of Garcia, the brewery closed on Wednesday and posted on Facebook that he was a loving father.

The post says, “This man had the biggest golden heart that I have ever known, and we will never know another like it.”

Hammock said the hole he leaves behind will be nearly impossible to fill.

“It’s an insufferable loss. Words can’t describe the pain that we’re in and the amount of loss that we feel,” Hammock said.

Duffle bag containing skeletal remains found inside sewer near Gentilly area: NOPD investigates

A suspect, 48-year-old Terrance Leavall, has been arrested in connection with Garcia’s death.

He faces a manslaughter charge, while the New Orleans Police Department continues to investigate.

Hammock says manslaughter is not serious enough.

“I think that murder is the only way. Michael’s life is very tragically taken and he has a whole army of people that are ready to go to battle for him,” Hammock said.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

Nick Lachey reveals 98 Degrees kept an ‘age of consent’ guide on tour bus

Coca-Cola releasing cans with ‘local symbols’ for all 50 states, DC and PR: Here’s what they look like

Unplug and unwind: The Masters provides a peaceful retreat

Meet Louisiana Strawberry Queen LIV, Aubrey Brumfield

Law enforcement honored at Crimestoppers annual event in New Orleans

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.