Big Papi shooting suspect's mother defends her son

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — The mother of the man accused of shooting Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz said she believes her son is innocent.

Dominican Republic National Police said Ortiz was at the Dial Bar and Lounge in Santo Domingo just before 9 p.m. Sunday when a gunman walked up from behind and shot him at close range.

Eddy Vladimir Feliz Garcia, 25, has been identified as a suspect involved in the shooting. Police said Garcia confessed to taking part in the shooting, but they haven’t been able to confirm if he was the shooter or if he was driving the motorcycle the shooter was arrived at the bar on.

Despite his alleged confession, Garcia’s mother told Telesistema she doesn’t believe her son is involved because she raised him well.

“That happened because of something like, without thinking. You understand?” Justina Garcia said. “I don't think he's a part of that. Because my children… I have given them a very good foundation."

A crowd of people at the bar detained and beat Garcia. He was treated at a hospital before being transferred to police custody.

Garcia’s mother said she saw her son’s injuries.

"He was hit dozens of times, his head is swollen, he had a rag wrapped around his head full of blood, some bandage,” Justina Garcia said.

Police said Garcia was apparently under the influence of alcohol. A toxicology report will determine if he was also under the influence of drugs.

According to police, Garcia has a criminal record for drug trafficking.

When asked what he did for a living, his mother said she thinks he runs errands.

“He's paying for a motorcycle,” Justina Garcia said. “We got him that motorcycle so he could make a living for himself.”

Ortiz is recovering in the ICU at Massachusetts General Hospital after undergoing a second successful surgery.

>>RELATED: David Ortiz recovering at MGH after being shot in Dominican bar

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